Venezuela vs Colombia Prediction: Raise a glass to La Vinotinto in final qualifier

Venezuela's World Cup qualification hopes are in the balance, but victory in their final South American qualifier at home to Colombia in Maturin on Wednesday (00:30 BST) will boost their chances no end. Colombia have already nailed down a place in next summer's finals, so have little to play for, while Venezuela are in a battle with Bolivia for seventh spot and only one of them can make the play-offs.

Below are my Venezuela vs Colombia predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Venezuela may stick with the same starting XI that began the 3-0 loss in Argentina, although calls to start Fluminense's Yeferson Soteldo are growing louder.

Football Odds

Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz should return for Colombia after suspension. Seven-goal Luis Diaz - one behind Lionel Messi in qualifying - is unlikely to be rested, though Luis Javier Suarez could replace Jhon Cordoba up front.

Young midfielder Kevin Castano is also an option after serving a ban, with James Rodriguez nursing a knock.

Today's Football Fixtures

Venezuela vs Colombia Odds

Venezuela have played all eight of their home qualifiers for next year's World Cup at the Estadio Monumental in Maturin - and have lost none of them.

That might make the 7/4 the Vinotinto appeal, though four of the previous eight did end in draws, which is a 21/10 shot.

Colombia, who have drawn three of their last four and have qualified, are a 7/4, or 36.4% chance.

Match Result - Venezuela @ 7/4

Venezuela's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup come down to one game, and they will be delighted to be staging it at the self-styled Jewel of the East, Estadio Monumental in Maturin.

The Vinotinto are unbeaten in Maturin in this campaign, and that's a handsome comfort blanket going into their final qualifier.

It's a pretty straightforward equation. Colombia, in fifth in the 10-nation section, have qualified. Venezuela are seventh and can only make the inter-confederation play-offs. To do that, they simply have to match the result of eighth-placed Bolivia, who are at home to Brazil.

Bolivia do all their winning at home at altitude, and against an injury-ravaged Brazil, will fancy their chances, so the pressure is on Venezuela. Head coach Fernando Batista has called this game his side's World Cup final.

The reality is they look a decent price for a game they clearly can win against an opponent who will make changes following their decisive 3-0 win against Bolivia at the weekend.

Venezuela have match-winners in the shape of Jefferson Savarino, Soteldo, and one or two others, and critical experience in players such as Tomas Rincon and the ageless frontman Salomon Rondon.

Team With Most Booking Points - Venezuela @ 7/5

Venezuela managed to pick up only two yellows in Friday's 3-0 defeat at Argentina, impressive given there was almost a fight in the tunnel at half-time.

That was still one more card than Colombia acquired in their 3-0 win over Bolivia.

The pressure is on the hosts in Maturin, and while they are decent value to win, they are also a fair price to collect more booking points given Colombia's race is run.

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