Argentina will aim to get back to winning ways in World Cup Qualifying when they face Venezuela.
In their last outing, the Albiceleste suffered defeat at the hands of Colombia, who earned revenge following their defeat in the Copa America final in the summer.
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Venezuela Recent Form
At the 2024 Copa America, Venezuela reached the quarter-final stage where the ended up losing on penalties to Canada after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
They have since returned to World Cup Qualifying where they have lost 4-0 against Bolivia and drew 0-0 with Uruguay. They are currently sixth in the table.
Venezuela Injury News
Goalkeeper Joel Graterol is unavailable for selection and won't play again this year after suffering a patella tendon tear.
There has been a surprise call-up for Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edson Castillo who makes the squad despite his club manager publicly criticising his form over the past year.
Last Venezuela Lineup
Here's how Venezuela lined up against Uruguay.
(4-1-4-1): Romo; Aramburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro; Casseres; Bello, Martinez, Segovia, Yoteldo; Rondon
Argentina Recent Form
Prior to the 2-1 loss against Colombia, Argentina won eight games in a row up to and including their victory in the Copa America final.
Following that tournament, they beat Chile 3-0 and lost versus Colombia.
Argentina Injury News
Argentina have received a major boost for this round of games as the great Lionel Messi has returned to the squad, having not been involved in the previous internationals in September.
Alejandro Garnacho is out, though, after picking up an injury with Man Utd. There were some concerns over Alexis Mac Allister also but he has recently joined up with his team-mates after seemingly shaking off a knock.
Emiliano Martinez is out due to a suspension which has led to Walter Benitez, Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli all receiving the call.
There has been a first call-up for Como attacker Nicolas Paz.
Last Argentina Lineup
Here's how Argentina lined up against Colombia.
(4-4-2): Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Romero, Lisandro Martinez; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Gonzalez; Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
Venezuela - Player To Watch
Veteran striker Salomon Rondon remains his country's talisman. He was fantastic at the Copa America, scoring three goals and recording one assist in four matches.
The team, as a whole, hasn't scored in the last two.
Argentina - Player To Watch
The eyes will be on Lionel Messi making his triumphant return to the Argentina squad following an absence in September. His last appearance for his country was in the Copa America Final when he had to be taken off due to injury.
Venezuela vs Argentina - Prediction
Argentina will be hurt by the loss against Colombia but will now be buoyed by the return of Messi, who will likely go straight back in to the starting XI. The visitors will simply have too much attacking power for Venezuela here, who have not scored in two matches.
Scoreline prediction - Venezuela 0-2 Argentina
Venezuela vs Argentina - Betting Tips
Argentina to Win and Under 2.5 Goals
- Venezuela have failed to score in their last two games
- Argentina have scored in each of their last eight games
