Soccer Betting Tips: Brazil v Argentina World Cup Qualifier

As we head into another international break this weekend, a crowd of nations will be looking to advance their chances at qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. While many look to have already punched their tickets with impressive campaigns so far, some, like Argentina, will have their fingers hovering over the alarm button if they were to go down to Brazil on Friday night.

Along with the much anticipated South American clash, nations from Europe, North America and Asia will all in action this international weekend. We preview and give betting tips for some of the key matches below.

Brazil vs Argentina (Friday 10.45am AEDT)

Argentina, who sit sixth in the South American World Cup Qualifiers Standings, are one spot out of contention after 10 of 18 games. The top four nations in South America garner automatic qualification, while the fifth advances to inter confederation qualifiers. Needless to say, this Friday’s clash against arguably their biggest rival, who coincidentally sit atop the WCQ standings, is a must win for the Sky Blue.

The Argentina spirits will be lifted with the return of marquee player Lionel Messi. Messi missed the last three qualification games due to injury, however, his return doesn’t do much for the bookmakers. Brazil go into the match as $2 favourites (Sportsbet) and for good reason. The Brazilians have never lost a Wold Cup Qualifier on home soil, a daunting stat for the visiting Argentines, one that they will be hoping to rectify.

The Brazilians go into the game in red hot form, after a sluggish start to the WCQ campaign, drawing or losing four of their first six. Since then, they have won four games in a row to find themselves atop the South American WCQ table. Their attacking prowess, led by Barcelona megastar Neymar and EPL trio Coutinho, Willian and Roberto Firmino is formidable by any nations standards, however, I think the odds are a little short here to take them H2H. With the two sides boasting arguably the best two attacks in world football, and both at full strength, I see this being a high scoring affair.

TIP: Total Goals OVER 2.5 – $2.13 at Sportsbet

USA vs Mexico (Saturday 11.45am AEDT)

This international break marks the first round of the fifth stage of qualification for the North and Central America Conference. Six teams advanced out of pool play into the round robin stage, where three will receive automatic entry and the fourth will play off for a spot via inter confederation playoffs.

The fans get a mouth watering matchup to begin the stage, with the conference’s biggest rivals, the United States and Mexico battling it out in Columbus, Ohio in what I am hence-fourth dubbing ‘The War for the Wall’. Tensions will be high ahead of the match, with the States recently voting in new President Elect, Donald Trump, who has had some less than gracious things to say about the United States southern neighbours.

Both sides go into the game after dominant pool stages. USA finished with four wins from their six games with a staggering +17 goal difference, while Mexico went five wins and one draw, allowing only one goal in their pool stage. Both teams however, played relative minnows in world football, and this test, for both teams should be the first competitive match either have had in some time. Look for it to be a low scoring affair, as both teams will take some time to get used to the pressure and intensity of their counterparts.

TIP: Total Goals UNDER 1.5 – $3.04 at Sportsbet

Thailand vs Australia (Tuesday 11pm AEDT)

Australia is sandwiched between the UAE and Japan in its 3rd round of pool play. The Aussies will be looking to take an advantage over at least one, if not both teams, who play each other on Tuesday. Ange Postecoglou and his men take on Thailand who currently sit bottom of the table, losing all four of their games and only scoring one goal in the process.

While Australia are coming off two draws in a row in pool play, they have come against very underrated sides in Japan and UAE. With what should be a near full strength team on Tuesday night, look for the Aussies to make a statement against Thailand who have let up 10 goals in four games throughout pool play.

The only significant player who will miss for the Australians is star striker Tim Cahill, who Postecoglou has decided to rest ahead of more important return leg games in the run home. Hyundai A-League star Jamie Maclaren will take his spot in the squad, after scoring 2 goals in as many games for Brisbane Roar. The class and depth of the Australian midfield and attack, even without Cahill, should still be too strong for Thailand, with the likes of Jedinak, Aaron Mooy, Matthew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Tom Rogic all returning from Europe for the clash.

TIP: Australia to Win to Nil – $2.70 at CrownBet

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NOTE: TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY