Kick-off: 2200, 17/06/2021
Stadium: Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico
TV: BBC Digital
Colombia thrashed Venezuela 3-0 in an October World Cup qualifier and can record another victory when the teams meet at the Copa America on Thursday.
Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in October and a Luis Muriel brace meant the contest was effectively over before half-time.
There is little in either side’s recent form to suggest Venezuela will turn the tables, with Colombia kicking off their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador and La Vinotinto comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Brazil in the tournament curtain raiser.
We’re taking 3/4 for La Tricolor to win to nil again for our first Colombia vs Venezuela prediction.
A Look At Colombia’s Betting Odds
Since winning their only Copa America title in 2001, Colombia have largely underperformed, having reached the semi-finals only twice in the last six stagings.
La Tricolor were supposed to be co-hosting this year’s tournament alongside Argentina before political unrest saw them lose home advantage.
Reinaldo Rueda made a bold call in leaving Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez out of his squad – with the latter disputing claims he was not fit enough to take part.
But the head coach was at least partially vindicated as Edwin Cardona gave them a hard-fought win over Ecuador.
It was far from a vintage display from Colombia, with Rueda naming a surprise starting XI which did not include Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez or Atalanta forwards Muriel and Zapata.
Despite Rueda ushering in a new generation, there are still experienced heads in the Colombia line-up in former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and Everton defender Yerry Mina.
Colombia have kept two clean sheets in three games since Rueda replaced Carlos Queiroz at the helm.
Looking at the Colombia vs Venezuela odds, we like 9/2 for La Tricolor to secure a 2-0 victory here.
A Look At Venezuela’s Betting Odds
Traditionally the whipping boys of South American football, Venezuela went 40 years and 42 matches without a win at the Copa America from 1967-2007.
Things have improved since, with La Vinotinto finishing fourth in 2011 and reaching another three quarter-finals in the last five stagings.
However, Venezuela’s opening defeat to Brazil was their fifth in seven games and Jose Peseiro’s side had their build-up disrupted by an outbreak of coronavirus among the squad.
Captain Tomas Rincon is among those missing from the tournament squad after contracting Covid-19, leaving 32-year-old Roberto Rosales as the oldest player in a largely inexperienced group.
Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez is Venezuela’s main goal threat, while Fernando Aristeguieta led the line against Brazil despite having gone a decade since scoring his only goal at international level.
Let’s finish off our Colombia vs Venezuela betting tips by taking 11/5 for La Tricolor to lead 1-0 at half-time.
Additional stats
Last result:
COLOMBIA 1-0 Ecuador – Cardona
Brazil 3-0 VENEZUELA
Head-to-head: Colombia 3-0 Venezuela, Colombia 0-0 Venezuela, Venezuela 1-2 Colombia, Venezuela 0-0 Colombia.
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