South America World Cup Qualifying Odds & Picks – Matchday 16 (Feb 1)

• Matchday 16 in South American World Cup Qualifying features five matches on Tuesday evening
• Currently, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru hold the automatic qualification spots to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
• Get the odds, our analysis and betting prediction below

Let’s be honest, most of us are still recovering from the aftermath of a crazy ending to the European winter transfer window. But, football sleeps for nobody and you can still look forward to five South American World Cup Qualifying games on Tuesday.

Brazil and Argentina have ran past the rest of the pack in terms of qualifying on 36 and 32 points, respectively. However, things get very tricky for the last qualification and inter-confederation playoff spots.

In fact, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are all only separated by four points. With only three games remaining, it is obviously how imperative this round of matches is for their World Cup odds to become realistic.

South America World Cup Qualifying Matchday 16 Odds

Odds as of Jan 31st at Barstool Sportsbook

First, from a quick look at odds table, the Argentina moneyline vs Colombia has good value despite the minus odds. This is expected to be a quiet game, with the over on 2.5 goals at +148. Additionally, the Peru vs Ecuador match looks to be a tasty affair, as both teams have plus moneyline odds.

Uruguay vs Venezuela Prediction

The first highlight match is between Uruguay and Venezuela at 6:00 pm ET. Venezuela are in last place of the South American WCQs, which presents a great opportunity for Uruguay.

Luckily, Uruguay are coming off a clean 1-0 victory against Paraguay last Thursday. The game was Diego Alonso’s first match in charge of La Celeste and they were the dominant side on the day. Luis Suarez’s 50th minute goal won the match as the Uruguayans outshot Paraguay 15 to 8.

27 – Vs Paraguay, Luis Suárez 🇺🇾 has equaled Lionel Messi as the Top Scorer in South American World Cup Qualifiers in Opta era (since 2010 WC Qualifying): 27 goais. Instinct#WCQ2022 pic.twitter.com/PfTqcRYk5s

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 31, 2022

Conversely, Venezuela is coming off a rare win. They dismantled Bolivia by a score of 4-1, as Salomón Rondón bagged a wonderful hat trick. Sadly, I do not think Venezuela will have the same luck on Tuesday. Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez are simply too good and powerful for Rondon and the Venezuelan attack.

But, I still think this will be a low-scoring affair overall and see Uruguay ultimately taking the points.

Pick: Under 2.5 total goals (-132)

Argentina vs Colombia Prediction

Next, Argentina do not have as much pressure in their match vs Colombia, given their eight point cushion. Meanwhile, a 1-0 loss to Peru last Friday means Colombia have fallen outside of any qualification spot.

Colombia are now winless in their last six CONMEBOL WCQ matches 😬

With three games left they sit sixth, three points off the automatic qualification spots 👀 pic.twitter.com/1T5f0zwTri

— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) January 28, 2022

Nonetheless, what should give Colombia hope is that four Argentina players will miss this match due to suspensions from yellow card accumulation. Those players include: Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo de Paul, Nicolas Otamendi and Leandro Paredes.

Moreover, for Colombia to see anything from this game, their offense just has to be better. They have been held to a clean sheet in six consecutive matches, their last goal coming on September 9th, also to Chile. Expect Luis Diaz to be playing inspired on the left wing after his splash signing with Liverpool.

A little taster for Liverpool fans… 🌶️

What can @LFC expect from Luis Díaz?#UCL pic.twitter.com/VYGHcssrUB

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2022

In turn, I think Colombia are due for a big result and I expect them to cover the spread.

Pick: Colombia +0.5 (-113)

Peru vs Ecuador Prediction

Lastly, for Peru, this match is basically a must-win WCQ fixture. Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are all within a point, and we know how fast qualifying tables can flip on their head. With that being said, Peru have won their last three South American WCQs against Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia.

MASSIVE GOAL for Peru! Moving up into 4th place in the #WCQ!

Also, look at that thru ball!! #PERvsCOL pic.twitter.com/ygPGSn1Gma

— fuboTV (@fuboTV) January 28, 2022

Furthermore, the last time these two sides faced, Peru also grabbed the three points. Despite having only 30% possession and eight shots, Peru defeated Ecuador by a score of 2-1. A late, 92nd minute consolation goal was the only positive Ecuador could really take from the day.

In their last match, Ecuador did split points with Brazil in an extremely feisty affair. Their goalkeeper, Alexander Dominguez, received a red card which means Hernan Galindez will have to take his place in goal on Tuesday.

Overall, everything in this match is screaming the Peru moneyline, especially in their home country.

Pick: Peru ML (+128)