Chile vs Brazil
Brazil are breezing through World Cup 2022 qualifying. The Selecao have had a perfect start with six wins out of six and hold a six-point lead atop the standings.
However, the Brazilians could have a weakened squad missing their England-based stars for the upcoming qualifiers, which opens the door for struggling Chile to put an end to their perfect start.
La Roja are currently down in seventh in the table with just one win from their first six qualifiers. The World Cup 2022 betting odds still have the Brazilians favoured despite their absentees, but with home advantage and a desperate need for a good result, Chile could prove to be a dangerous foe.
Talking Points
Brazil missing Premier League stars
Brazil will be back in action for the first time since their disappointing defeat to Argentina in the final of the Copa America this summer. That loss snapped the Selecao’s impressive 13-match unbeaten run, which included 12 wins.
However, Brazil coach Tite may not have his first-choice squad to choose from for their upcoming qualifiers. He could be without his England-based stars after the Premier League clubs’ reluctance to release their players due to COVID-19 concerns.
Everton’s Richarlison, Manchester United’s Fred, Manchester City’s Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, Liverpool’s Alisson and Fabinho, Chelsea’s Thiago Silva, and Leeds’ Raphinha are among the notable Brazilians playing in the Premier League.
If Tite is left without his top two goalkeepers, Alisson and Ederson, 33-year-old Weverton will likely get the start in goal.
But aside from goalkeeper, Brazil still have a wealth of talent all over the squad despite the absence of their Premier League stars.
Neymar, who has been making World Cup 2022 highlights in qualifying with five goals, is ready to lead the attack, and 35-year-old Hulk could get his first call-up since 2016. Meanwhile, youngsters Matheus Cunha and Malcom – the heroes of Brazil’s gold-medal win at the Olympics – could also get their first senior caps.
There is also ample experience in defence, with Dani Alves, Marquinhos, and Casemiro tasked to keep things tight at the back.
Goal-shy Chile without key strikers
Chile have had a difficult start to their qualifying campaign. They have picked up just one win in their first six matches, with three draws and two defeats, which sees them down in seventh.
La Roja also had a less than convincing Copa America campaign, where they won just one of their five games. They went out in the quarter-finals after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
Chile have had trouble putting the ball in the back of the net. They have scored just five goals in their last seven games and have failed to score more than once in any of those games.
Their attacking problems won’t be helped by the fact that all-time leading scorer Alexis Sanchez (46 goals in 139 caps) is out due to injury. The 32-year-old is still dealing with a calf injury that limited him in the Copa America and has seen him miss the start of the Serie A season.
Chile will also be without young striker Ben Brereton of Blackburn Rovers, which limits La Roja’s attacking options even more.
Eduardo Vargas (40 goals in 100 caps) and midfield general Arturo Vidal (32 goals in 124 caps) will have the responsibility of leading Chile’s attack in Alexis’ absence. Vargas scored two of Chile’s three goals during the Copa America, but he has yet to find the net in qualifying. Vidal leads the team with four goals.
History
Brazil have a terrific record against Chile. They had an astounding 52-8 advantage in terms of wins, with 13 draws.
Chile have just two wins over Brazil in the 21st century, although their most recent one in 2015 came at home in a World Cup qualifier. Vargas and Sanchez both scored in a 2-0 win at Santiago.
However, the Brazilians got their revenge by beating Chile 3-0 in the reverse fixture. They also knocked La Roja out in this year’s Copa America quarter-finals thanks to a Lucas Paqueta goal.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Chile vs Brazil | Draw 1X2 @ 3.15 |
| September 3, 09:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Brazil priced as 2.07 favourites against Chile, who are pegged at 3.55 to pick up an important home win. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.15.
The uncertainty surrounding Brazil’s Premier League stars makes this a tricky match to call. Chile gave a full-strength Brazil side a decent fight in the Copa America, and they could do the same at home against a potentially weaker Selecao.
Given their desperation for a good result, I think Chile can do just enough to frustrate Brazil and end their 100 per cent record in qualifying, especially if the Selecao are indeed missing their England stars.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
