World Cup qualifiers: Chile odds on to topple Venezuela

Alexis Sanchez in action for Chile.

Chile are favourites to beat Venezuela despite the absence of several stars in a 2018 World Cup football's South American qualifying round.

The Chilean team, led by Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, will suffer the absence of Eduardo Vargas, Jorge Valdivia and Claudio Bravo, who are sanctioned, as well as Charles Aranguiz, who is recovering from a surgery, reports Xinhua.

Also, Chilean players Matias Fernandez and Marcelo Diaz will not play against Venezuela because both were injured in the previous match against Argentina. The good news is that Chilean star Arturo Vidal will return to play after being absent in their previous match.

Venezuela, led by Noel Sanvicente, is passing through a poor phase having lost four games and has only one point.

Chile stands fifth in the 10-team qualifying round table with seven points from five games while Venezuela lies at the bottom.