Venezuela and Bolivia meet in one of the most important CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers this month on Friday night between two sides on the fringes of qualification.

Both nations have one eye on an unlikely late surge for the top six, but they will know their best bet is to go through the playoffs.

Match preview

Venezuela will take to the field in Maturin on Friday without knowing for sure how sixth-place Colombia have fared against Peru, and Fernando Batista 's men certainly need a favour from the Bicolour on matchday 15.

La Vinotinto have never qualified for a World Cup, being the only CONMEBOL nation not to have done so, but the new expanded format offers them their best chance yet to reach the finals.

Venezuela start the month in the playoff place, one point ahead of upcom

See Full Page