Chile vs Cape Verde: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
The international friendly at Eden Park in New Zealand pits Chile against Cape Verde on Friday morning. This Chile vs Cape Verde: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview outlines the essentials ahead of kick-off.
Match context
Chile arrive in a rebuilding phase after missing out on a third consecutive World Cup. The side once won back-to-back Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016.
Led previously by stars such as Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal, Chile now sit 52nd in the FIFA rankings. Nicolas Cordova’s team have shown signs of recovery, with a three-game winning streak and four matches unbeaten.
Cape Verde head into the fixture buoyed by a first-ever World Cup qualification. They topped their CAF group ahead of Cameroon, recording seven wins and two draws from ten qualifiers.
Coach Bubista has emphasised organisation and defensive discipline. The squad also earned draw results in friendlies against Iran and Egypt as part of their preparations.
Form snapshots
- Chile international friendlies form: L W W W W W.
- Chile overall recent form: L L D W W W.
- Cape Verde international friendlies form: W D D D.
Team News
Chile’s selection underlines a generational shift. Long-serving stars Alexis Sánchez, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel are not included.
- Senior figures expected in camp: Guillermo Maripán, Rodrigo Echeverría.
- Attack options: Ben Brereton Díaz leads the line.
- Creative and wide threats: Darío Osorio and Alexander Aravena.
- Emerging midfielders: Vicente Pizarro, Javier Altamirano.
- Likely goalkeeper: Lawrence Vigouroux.
Cape Verde have added several new faces to bolster depth for the World Cup. Coach Bubista named a mix of established players and recent call-ups.
- New inclusions: Carlos dos Santos, Jorginho Soares, Jordan Mendes, Ayoni Santos, Ieltsin Camoes.
- Late addition: Fabio Domingos.
- Unavailable: Jamiro Monteiro (injury). Veteran Stopira omitted.
Lineups Preview
Below are the likely starting XIs named in team sheets circulated before the match. Lineups reflect expected personnel and balance.
| Chile (likely) | Cape Verde (likely) |
|---|---|
| Vigouroux; Maripán, Kuscevic, Lichnovsky; Suazo, Loyola, Pizarro; Osorio, Millan, Aravena; Brereton Díaz | Vozinha; Paulo, Pires, Borges, Moreira; Semedo, Rodrigues; Arcanjo, Duarte, Mendes; Livramento |
Prediction
A tight draw is the most probable outcome. Chile’s improving form meets Cape Verde’s organisation and defensive strength.
Forecast: 1-1. Both sides should find chances but neither may dominate the scoreline.
Coverage and analysis by Filmogaz.com.
