2019 International Friendly – Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When does Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago kick off? Monday 14th October, 2019 – 23:00 (UK)

Where is Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago being played? Estadio Olimpico de la UCV, Caracas

What are the expected weather conditions for Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago? Partly cloudy, 23c

What TV channel is Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago on? TLT (Venezuela)

Where can I stream Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago? Fox Sports GO (where applicable)

Where can I get tickets for Venezuela vs Trinidad & Tobago? http://www.megaboletos.com/VINOTINTOTYT.html

THE TEAM NEWS

VENEZUELA

• Manager Rafael Dudamel has maintained most of the same squad that played last week against Trinidad & Tobago, in a match where Venezuela secured a 4-1 win. Knowing the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers are inching closer and closer, the manager chose a team that looks quite similar to the XI that will likely be fielded in the start of the Qualifiers’ run. Names such as Wuilker Fariñez, Yangel Herrera, Tomas Rincon, Jhon Chancellor and Salomon Rondon have all been included in the side, and all of them should play a role here.
• That said, La Vinotinto has two absences worth mentioning here. Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez has decided to reject any future call-ups to the national team if Dudamel remains at the reigns of the squad, and full-back Roberto Rosales has already returned to Spain since he was only eligible to play against Trinidad & Tobago. Venezuela have had decent results of late, posting a W4, D4, L3 over their last 11 games. They have gone W2, D2, L2 in their last six friendly matches.
• Expected Starting XI: Wuilker Fariñez; Ronald Hernandez, Wilker Angel, Jhon Chancellor, Rolf Feltscher; Yangel Herrera (Junior Moreno), Tomas Rincon; Jhon Murillo (Jefferson Savarino), Romulo Otero, Yeferson Soteldo (Darwin Machis); Salomon Rondon

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

• The CONCACAF side won’t field a strong side ahead of this match as most of their regulars won’t be eligible for this one. Daneil Cyrus, Kevin Molino, Khaleem Hyland, Marvin Phillip, Ryan Telfer and Carlyle Mitchell are out due to rest, while Nathan Lewis and Triston Hodge are dealing with injuries.
• To make things even more complicated, the 'Soca Warriors' have not been playing at a high level in recent weeks. Trinidad and Tobago are coming off a 2-0 loss to Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League A, and they are currently riding a 13-game winless run (D4, L9).
• Expected Starting XI: Adrian Foncette; Alvin Jones, Mekeil Williams, Sheldon Bateau, Aubrey David; Kevan George, Leston Paul; Daniel Carr, Ataullah Guerra, Levi Garcia; Akeem Garcia

THE PREDICTION

Venezuela should be massive favourites here. Not only because of how good they looked against Bolivia in their previous match, but also because of their impressive run of form compared to a Tobago side that has not won since September 2019. Plus, the fact that Trinidad & Tobago will have several absentees won’t help their cause in a tough away match against a side that has been working with the same squad for the past two or three years. Expect Venezuela to secure a comfortable win here.