World Cup qualifying in South America resumes Thursday with the reigning Copa America champions Argentina traveling to face Venezuela. Argentina are in second place in qualifying with 12 points and well on their way to making it to next year's World Cup, while Venezuela have just four points, are in ninth place and need a miracle to even get into contention to qualify.
Here's are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
Storylines
Venezuela: Can they find some sort of consistency in front of goal? No team has been worse when it comes to scoring through six games with the Vinotinto averaging just 0.5 goals per match. But there isn't a shortage of talent with Salomon Rondon and Josef Martinez. With Argentina's defense coming in with good form, they are going to need to capitalize on the few good chances they will likely get to take anything from this game.
Argentina: Amazing vibes around this team with qualifying resuming thanks to the achievement of winning the Copa, capped off by edging Brazil in the final. A team full of confidence, the real storyline here is trying to keep this thing going in the right direction. With Lionel Messi, Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martinez likely to lead the attack, manager Lionel Scaloni will be tasked with finding that midfield combination that can give a balance on both ends of the pitch. Expect to see a combination of Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes and Gio lo Celso to start after they were all key in the Copa America triumph.
How to watch and odds
Date: Thursday, Sept. 2 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Olimpico de la UCV -- Caracas, Venezuela
TV and live stream: fuboTV (Try now)
Odds: Venezuela +750; Draw +300; Argentina -250 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Prediction
The champs get it done with a prolific, patient attack dominating from the first minute as Messi gets a goal and an assist, putting the two-time World Cup champs a step closer to qualification. Pick: Argentina 3, Venezuela 1
