Colombia vs Venezuela Predictions

• Colombia have kept seven clean sheets in their last 12 internationals.
• Venezuela have scored only once in their lats five Copa America games.
• Colombia have kept six consecutive Copa America clean sheets and won five of those matches.

Colombia have perfect blend for Copa success

Colombia would appear to have an easier task ahead of them when facing Venezuela on Thursday after beating trickier opponents in their opening Copa America Group B fixture.

Los Cafeteros’ 1-0 success over Ecuador was a measure of revenge for the 6-1 hammering they took at altitude in Quito last November, leaving Reinaldo Rueda’s men in good shape to progress.

Another three points against La Vinotinto here would almost seal their quarter-final berth and Rueda is likely to demand more from his side as an attacking force.

Colombia are unbeaten in three games since Rueda’s return to the helm in January and it would appear he has got the balance right.

Dropping James Rodriguez was a big call, but the country’s media appear to be behind him and the results speak for themselves.

They pulled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Argentina a few days after pummelling Peru in their backyard prior to this tournament and could go deep if they keep it up.

Victory on Sunday wasn’t without a cost however as left back after Yairo Moreno was stretchered off in first-half injury time with an apparent knee injury.

But Duvan Zapata played only 30 minutes off the bench and Luis Muriel was completely rested, so either or both could be starters against La Vinotinto.

Venezuela played the role of stooges well in their 3-0 defeat to Brazil in which only good fortune and poor finishing from Neymar prevented the scoreline from being nearer 6-0 to the hosts.

They look ill-equipped to trouble Colombia going forward and may need luck on their side again to avoid a comprehensive defeat.

We think the Coffee Growers can taste victory again and will happily reap the rewards of a win to nil bet.

Venezuela have scored only once in their last five Copa America games and we don’t rate their chances of adding to that meagre tally here against a side that has kept five clean sheets in the last nine, so look to 2-0 as a final score.

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