Brazil vs Argentina Odds & Prediction – South America World Cup Qualifying Matchday 6

• Brazil and Argentina clash in World Cup qualifying on Sunday in a rematch of the Copa America Final
• Both sides are unbeaten in qualifiers so far
• Find the odds, preview, and prediction below

Matchday 6 of the South American World Cup qualifiers will feature a heavyweight battle on Sunday between Brazil and Argentina in Sao Paulo, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm ET. This will be the first time these two countries will clash since Lionel Messi and co. sunk the Brazilians in the Copa America final, thanks to an Angel Di Maria winner in the first half.

This is arguably one of the greatest rivalries in international football, with Argentina coming out victorious in three of the last five encounters dating back to 2017.

Brazil vs Argentina Odds

All odds as of September 3rd at DraftKings.

Depleted Brazil Squad

Due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions in the UK, Brazil is without nine players from Premier League clubs. Fred, Richarlison, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Jesus, Ederson, and Alisson all stayed back in England, among several others. That being said, the Brazilians have an extremely different feel right now. PSG defender Marquinhos is also suspended and will miss this massive encounter with their arch rivals.

OFFICIAL:

The Brazil squad for September after Thiago Silva, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, Richarlison, Fred, Fabinho, Alisson, and Ederson were dropped due to Premier League regulations. pic.twitter.com/3ABHRsN9WP

— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) August 27, 2021

Nonetheless, Tite’s side has been flawless in qualifying, going a perfect 7-0-0 and sitting at the very top with 21 points. They were able to bury Chile on Thursday in a 1-0 victory after Everton Ribeiro put away a Neymar rebound midway through the second half. Brazil’s attack is undoubtedly lacking a serious spark, but the hope is that Neymar or Vinicius Junior can step up and make up for the loss of Roberto Firmino, Jesus, and Richarlison.

There have been several call-ups because of the absences, with numerous Brazil-based players at Tite’s disposal if needed. The side has undoubtedly been the class of the continent in World Cup qualifiers, bagging 17 goals in seven appearances while conceding just twice.

Before the Brazilians head back to their clubs, there’s one more fixture on Thursday against Peru, whom they beat in the Copa America semifinals earlier this summer.

Argentina in Solid Form

Lionel Messi was the subject of a horrific tackle on Thursday against Venezuela when Adrian Martinez went cleats-first into his leg, which resulted in a straight red card. Messi ultimately stayed on the pitch and played the full 90 in Argentina’s 3-1 win and he’s expected to be available for Sunday.

This tackle on Messi led to a red card 😵 pic.twitter.com/KR8gpmBzxN

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 3, 2021

It was a very convincing result for the White and Sky Blues, proceeding to score three times after the Venezuelans went down to 10 men. Lautaro Martinez bagged a fine opener prior to the halftime whistle, then Angel and Joaquin Correa scored within minutes of each other late in the second period to secure the three points. Messi had numerous chances to score himself, but he struggled to find the end product.

Lionel Scaloni’s men are still riding a high from their Copa America triumph and have yet to lose in qualifying for Qatar 2022. They’ve netted 12 times and allowed only six goals thus far. In fact, Argentina’s last defeat in a competitive fixture was in the 2019 edition of the Copa America where they fell to none other than Brazil in the semifinals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggO1jbxjcv4

While the Brazilians are dealing with their stripped squad, four of Scaloni’s EPL players managed to leave on international duty. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez, and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso. They’ve traveled together on a private jet to Buenos Aires but will face a 10-day quarantine when they return back to the UK and will likely miss a match. But, Argentina will be pleased to have them available, especially for Sunday’s meeting.

Brazil vs Argentina Key Stats

Brazil vs Argentina Prediction

Needless to say, Brazil’s team is a lot different than their last clash with Argentina in the Copa America final. On the other hand, the visitors are basically at full strength. With that being said, I do believe the Argentinians are going to hand Brazil their first defeat in qualifying.  The last five fixtures between these two nations also hit the “under” in goals. There is certainly value once again.

Pick: Argentina (+230), Under 2.5 Goals (-160)