The latest round of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification campaign sees Chile, welcome regional neighbors Bolivia on Wednesday at Nacional with kickoff at 4:30 a.m.
The match comes a curtain-raiser for the Copa America 2021, which is days away. Therefore, this match sets the tone for who will take the three points when these neighbors lock horns on the group stage in mid-June.
Chile has built a reputation for being a dark horse in recent years. However, it remains a mixture of impressive and disappointing results in their qualification campaign. Martin Lasarte’s side picked up only five points in their opening five games to the competition.
The table rankings see the side ranked seventh and only one point clear of their opponents this week. Their last outing against Argentina proved a match of two halves, with the tie ending in a 1-1 draw.
Talisman Alexis Sanchez canceled out a Lionel Messi penalty to share the spoils. Furthermore, if Chile maintains its stance, it might have no problem getting the better part of Bolivia on Wednesday.
In contrast, things were far worse for Bolivia, with only one point in their four qualification games. However, things changed around following a triumphant 3-1 win over Venezuela. National treasure Marcelo Moreno came through with a brace to push his goal to 24 for the national team.
Chile vs. Bolivia Head to Head
Both sides have twelve matches against each other, with Chile taking ten wins while Bolivia with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Argentina 1-1 Chile
- Chile 2-1 Bolivia
- Venezuela 2-1 Chile
- Chile 2-0 Peru
- Chile 2-2 Columbia
Away
- Bolivia 3-1 Venezuela
- Ecuador 2-1 Bolivia
- Chile 2-1 Bolivia
- Paraguay 2-2 Bolivia
- Bolivia 2-3 Ecuador
Chile Team News
Larsate is highly likely to go for a strong starting XI this week; thus, big names such as Alexis, Eduardo Vargas, Gary Medel, and Claudio Bravo likely to maintain their spots. Other names coming from the bench that could feature include Cesar Pinares, Tomas Alarcon, and Carlos Palacious.
Bolivia Team News
Faras is highly unlikely to make alterations to the starting XI given their recent positive results against Venezuela. However, Gilbert Alvarez could step in for Henry Cara in the attack.
Prediction and Odds
We expect a highly-entertaining clash against two sides slowly building their form in the campaign.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
