Published on: Jun 17, 2021 11:37 am IST|Updated on: Aug 11, 2021 6:23 pm IST
COL vs VEN Dream11: Colombia takes on Venezuela in the Copa America second round of the group stages. The game takes place in Goiania, Brazil and is in Group B or the Zona Norte. Both sides have played 1 game each and find themselves on opposite ends of the table.
Colombia kicked off their campaign with a closely fought 1-0 win over Ecuador. A first-half goal from Edwin Cardano was enough to ensure that the Colombians took all 3 points. They now find themselves on level points with Brazil and are behind only on goal-difference. This game comes just a few days after their rather impressive 2-2 draw against a strong Argentinean side in a World Cup Qualifiers game.
Venezuela, on the other hand, were on the receiving end of a 3-0 beating by favourites, Brazil. They are now winless in their last 3 games with a 3-1 loss to Bolivia and a 0-0 draw to Uruguay preceding this. The Venezuelans find themselves in last place – the worst possible way to kick off their campaign.
Date: 18th June, Friday Kick-Off: 2:30 am (IST) Venue: Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico, Brazil
Zona Norte Table: Colombia is in 2nd place with Venezuela in last place.
WATCH Copa America Live Stream and Live Score on Sony Ten Network/SonyLiv in India
Recent Form Colombia: LLWDW Venezuela: LWLDL
Head-to-Head (last 5 meetings): Colombia – 3 Draw – 2 Venezuela – 0
Colombia News
Injury Report and Unavailability:
• Juan Otera is the only absentee for this fixture as he tested positive for Covid-19.
Expected Changes and Strategy:
• The backline should remain the same with goalkeeper, David Ospina, keeping his spot after a splendid performance. • Juan Cuadrado and Edwin Cardano should man the flanks as usual. • Duvan Zapata could be given a start upfront alongside Rafael Santos.
Colombia Starting XI (likely)
David Ospina Daniel Munoz Yerry Mina Oscar Murillo Yairo Moreno Juan Cuadrado Wilmar Barrios Mateus Uribe Edwin Cardano Rafael Santos Duvan Zapata
Venezuela News
• Venezuela have been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak with about 8 players ruled out. • This includes star forward, Josef Martinez.
• Jose Peseiro does not have a lot of options to choose from and will play the same team that lost to Brazil. • They will line-up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Fernando Aristeguieta leading the line.
Venezuela Starting XI (likely)
Joel Graterol (GK) Alexander Gonzalez Luis Del Pino Francisco Mantia Luis Martinez Yohan Cumana Jose Martinez Junior Moreno Bernaldo Manzano Christian Casseres Jr. Fernando Aristeguieta
Fantasy Football Tips
Captain Options
Duvan Zapata – After starting on the bench in the previous game, the Atalanta forward should definitely be in the firing line for this game. He managed 15 goals and 9 assists in the Serie Ain just 29 starts as well. Zapata created 51 chances, attempted 39 shots on target and succeeded in 34 dribbles.
Edwin Cardano – Scoring the match-winner in the previous game, Cardano will be ready to go again. Apart from the goal, he created 1 chance, had 1 key pass, 5 accurate long balls and boasted pass success rate of 77%. He will look to link up with the likes of Zapata and Uribe to cause troubles to the Venezuelan defence.
Differential Pick
Yerry Mina – The Everton centre-back will be a rock in the Colombian backline. He has faced world-class players in the Premier League multiple times and will be up for this game without doubt. At 195cms, he is also a constant threat from set-pieces and will hope for a nice delivery from the likes of Cuadrado.
Tips: Juan Cuadrado is a must-have in a Dream11 fantasy side as he is the usual set-piece taker and can get points for assists. His lovely cross ensured that Colombia held Argentina to a draw a few days ago.
Goalkeeper – Ospina Defenders – Murillo, Mina, Munoz Midfielders – Cuadrado, Cardano (VC), Gonzalez, Moreno, Casseres Forwards – Aristeguieta, Zapata (C)
Likely Winner:
Colombia are the favourites to win the COL vs VEN Today Match Prediction. Venezuela don’t have the strongest side and a covid-19 outbreak was the last thing they needed. Not only will they be without a lot of first-team players, but will be without a lot of training staff which will affect their preparations for the game. Colombia are more in form and have the better players and will look to take this game by the scruff of the neck.