Both teams will play their first game of 2025.
The United States (USA) will play Venezuela in an international friendly on Sunday. The game will be held in the Chase Stadium and is the first international game of 2025 for both countries. As the game is being held outside of the FIFA international window, Mauricio Pochettino will not have many key players, like Christian Pulisic, available for selection.
This is a great opportunity for the manager to test young talents against good opponents as the preparation for the 2026 World Cup continues.
Venezuela, on the other hand, are currently sitting in eighth place in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. They have a realistic chance of qualifying for the biggest competition in world football for the first time. This game will serve as a great opportunity for them to prepare for their must-win games against Ecuador and Peru in March.
KickOff:
Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 1:30 AM IST
Venue: Chase Stadium
Form:
USA(in all competitions): W-W-L-W-D
Venezuela(in all competitions): L-D-L-D-D
Players to watch out for:
Jesús Ferreira (USA)
The forward will be the key player in the USA’s frontline against Venezuela. He is very versatile. He can play as a centre-forward and can even drop down and operate as an attacking midfielder.
His technical ability on the ball is incredible, and he is also a threat from set-pieces. Mauricio Pochettino will be relying heavily on him in the absence of Christian Pulisic.
Edson Tortolero (Venezuela)
The forward was very impressive and had a great domestic season which earned him this call-up for the national team. The 26-year-old mainly operates on the right side. He reads the game very well and is very intelligent in finding spaces in and around the penalty area. He is also a good free-kick taker and a great performance will be expected from him.
Match Facts:
- The last game between these two teams ended in a 3-0 win for Venezuela.
- USA won 4-2 against Jamaica in their last game.
- Venezuela lost 4-2 against Chile in their last game.
USA vs Venezuela: Betting tips and odds
- Tip 1: Venezuela to win – 2.23 by Stake
- Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.67 by 1XBET
- Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2 – 1.88 by Dafabet
Injury and Team news:
Both teams have their full squad available for selection.
Head to Head:
Total matches: 4
USA won: 2
Venezuela won: 1
Draws: 1
Predicted Lineup:
USA (4-3-3)
Callender(GK); Arfsten, Robinson, Neal, Campbell; Cremaschi, Luna, McGlynn; Gutiérrez, Vassilev, Ferreira
Venezuela (4-2-2)
Otero(GK); Graterol, Ramirez, Vivas, Rosales; Ortega, Lacava, Pereira, Tortolero; Hurtado, Castillo
Match Prediction:
This game is very difficult to predict as both teams will be without their key players. However considering the individual talent, Venezuela can be considered a slight favorite.
Prediction: USA 1-2 Venezuela
Telecast details
India: TBD
USA: ESPN
UK: DAZN
Nigeria: TBD
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