Deportes Iquique vs. O'Higgins Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 October 2025

Deportes Iquique, languishing at the bottom of the Primera Division table, will take on high-flying O’Higgins on 18 October 2025 in what promises to be a crucial tie for both teams. Despite the contrasting league positions, with Iquique sitting 16th with just 14 points and O’Higgins in 4th place with 41 points, the match could yet spring a surprise.

O’Higgins come into the game as the bookmakers’ favourites with odds of 2.17, reflecting their strong recent form, having lost only once in their last ten games. Their formidable attack averages 2.20 goals per game in the last five matches and will be led by top scorer Bryan Rabello.

On the other hand, Iquique have struggled defensively, keeping no clean sheets in their last five outings. However, they have shown resilience at home, particularly in a 2-1 win over Deportes Limache, and will rely on their top scorer Alvaro Ramos to make an impact.

Given the disparity in form and quality, our recommended bet is a draw with an Asian handicap of +1 in favour of Deportes Iquique, highlighting the potential for a closely contested match despite O’Higgins’ edge.

This encounter plays a significant role in shaping the season narratives for both teams as they fight for points at two ends of the table.

Deportes Iquique vs O’Higgins Prediction & Betting Tip

Deportes Iquique vs O’Higgins Prediction
Betting tip
Draw – Deportes Iquique (+1) (EH)

Our recommended betting tip for this match is a draw with an Asian handicap of +1 in favour of Deportes Iquique. This recommendation stems from O’Higgins’ recent trend of narrowly winning games, with six of their last ten victories being decided by a single goal.

Moreover, Deportes Iquique has shown resilience at home recently and could leverage this to hold off the visitors.

Key Points:

• O’Higgins has recorded six narrow victories in their last ten games.
• Deportes Iquique has managed to perform well in recent home matches.
• The first encounter this season ended in a draw, highlighting a close contest.

Expect a tightly fought game where Iquique’s home advantage could be a factor.

Deportes Iquique vs O’Higgins Odds

As we gear up for the clash between Deportes Iquique and O’Higgins, let’s take a look at the betting odds which give us an insight into how the match is expected to unfurl.

Deportes Iquique vs O’Higgins Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Deportes Iquique	2.98
Draw	3.35
O’Higgins	2.17

According to the bookmaker odds, O’Higgins are the favourites to come out on top with odds of 2.17, reflecting their superior league standing and recent form. However, a draw at 3.35 also presents an intriguing option given the competitive nature of their previous encounters.

For those backing the home side, a bet on Deportes Iquique to win comes with odds of 2.98, highlighting the potential for an upset despite their position at the bottom of the table.

The odds structure suggests a closely-fought battle, with O’Higgins having the upper hand but not ruling out a resilient display from Deportes Iquique.

Deportes Iquique Team Analysis

Recent Performance

Deportes Iquique have faced a challenging run lately, reflected in their recent form with three losses, one draw, and one win:

• Colo Colo 4-0 Deportes Iquique (26 Sep 2025)
• Deportes Iquique 2-1 Deportes Limache (31 Aug 2025)
• Deportes Iquique 0-2 CD Nublense (24 Aug 2025)
• Union Espanola 2-2 Deportes Iquique (15 Aug 2025)
• Palestino 2-0 Deportes Iquique (8 Aug 2025)

With an average of 0.80 goals scored per game across their last five fixtures and no clean sheets, defensive struggles have been evident. However, highlights include their hard-fought win over Deportes Limache and the resilience displayed in their draw against Union Espanola.

Deportes Iquique will need to tighten up at the back and improve their attacking efficiency as they aim to climb out of the bottom spot in the league. Their home performance will be crucial in this vital clash against a tough opponent like O’Higgins.

Deportes Iquique Key Players

Deportes Iquique will be banking on their key players to make a significant impact in this match. Leading the line is their top scorer Alvaro Ramos, who has netted four goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against a solid O’Higgins defense.

Another player to watch is César González, who is expected to start alongside Edson Puch in the forward line. Their interplay and attacking prowess could pose problems for the O’Higgins backline.

In midfield, Matias Moya and Cesar Fuentes will play vital roles in both defense and attack, trying to control the game and supply their forwards with opportunities.

Expected lineup for Deportes Iquique:

• Goalkeeper: Daniel Castillo
• Defenders: Luis Casanova, Marcelo Jorquera, Matias Blazquez, Salvador Sanchez
• Midfielders: Matias Moya, Cesar Fuentes, Marcos Gómez, Misael Davila
• Forwards: César González, Edson Puch

The performance of these key players will be decisive for Deportes Iquique as they look to challenge a strong O’Higgins side.

Deportes Iquique Suspensions & Injuries

Currently, Deportes Iquique has no suspensions or injuries to worry about as they prepare for their crucial clash against O’Higgins. This clean bill of health is a positive boost for the team and coach Fernando Díaz, who will be able to field his strongest XI without any concerns of key players missing out.

This availability ensures that players like Alvaro Ramos and César González can focus on their attacking duties without disruptions. Having a full squad allows for more tactical flexibility and depth on the bench, which could be pivotal in what is expected to be a closely contested match against a formidable O’Higgins outfit.

Deportes Iquique Tactics and Formation

Deportes Iquique typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation, as seen in their last five matches. This setup focuses on a balanced approach between defense and attack but has struggled recently concerning clean sheets and goal-scoring opportunities.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: César González and Edson Puch
• Midfield Pivot: Matias Moya and Cesar Fuentes
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: They have scored most of their goals during the 76-90-minute interval this season, indicating a strong finish to games.

The tactical focus will be on solidifying the defense while leveraging their late-game scoring ability, aiming to catch O’Higgins off-guard in the final stages of the match.

O’Higgins Team Analysis

Recent Performance

O’Higgins have been in impressive form recently, as highlighted by their last five results:

• Palestino 1-2 O’Higgins (13 Sep 2025)
• O’Higgins 3-2 Audax Italiano (30 Aug 2025)
• Deportes Limache 2-2 O’Higgins (23 Aug 2025)
• O’Higgins 1-0 Cobresal (16 Aug 2025)
• La Serena 3-3 O’Higgins (9 Aug 2025)

During these games, O’Higgins have averaged 2.20 goals per game and kept one clean sheet. Their attack led by Bryan Rabello, who has scored five goals this season, has been particularly potent. The team has shown resilience and the ability to secure points even in closely contested matches, making them a formidable opponent.

If O’Higgins continue their strong form, they could further solidify their place in the top four of the Primera Division.

O’Higgins Key Players

O’Higgins have several key players who could significantly impact the game. Their top scorer, Bryan Rabello, leads the line with five goals this season and will be crucial in unlocking the Deportes Iquique defense. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat.

Meanwhile, Maximiliano Romero has been similarly impressive, contributing both in scoring and assisting, making him a dual threat that Deportes Iquique’s defense will need to manage carefully. Midfield dynamo Matias Lugo will also be central, as his role in breaking up play and transitioning to attack will be key in maintaining O’Higgins’ momentum.

Expected lineup for O’Higgins:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Omar Carabalí
• Defenders: Moisés González, Alan Robledo, Juan Ignacio Díaz, Luis Pavez Muñoz
• Midfielders: Felipe Ogaz, Matias Lugo, Bryan Rabello, Martin Sarrafiore, Joaquin Tapia
• Forward: Maximiliano Romero

These players are anticipated to drive the team’s strategy, aiming to exploit the vulnerabilities in Deportes Iquique’s defense.

O’Higgins Suspensions & Injuries

As O’Higgins prepare for their clash against Deportes Iquique, it’s crucial to note that they have no suspensions or injuries reported. This clean bill of health enables head coach Francisco Meneghini to field his best XI without any constraints, providing them a significant advantage.

With the ability to deploy their top performers like Bryan Rabello and Maximiliano Romero without any fitness concerns, O’Higgins will be confident in their tactical approach and squad depth. This situation also allows for better rotational options and strategic substitutions, enhancing their chances of securing a vital win to bolster their position in the top four.

O’Higgins Tactics and Formation

O’Higgins are expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that has served them well in recent matches, allowing them to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Maximiliano Romero leads the attack, offering both scoring and playmaking.
• Midfield Trio: Bryan Rabello (attacking midfielder), Joaquin Tapia (left wing), and Martin Sarrafiore (right wing) drive creativity and width.
• Defensive Strength: O’Higgins have managed one clean sheet in their last five games, showing their capacity to shut down opponents when needed.
• Notable Strategy: They have scored most of their goals in the 76-90-minute interval, emphasising their persistence and fitness late in games.

O’Higgins will likely look to control the midfield, use the wings effectively, and exploit any defensive lapses from Deportes Iquique, especially in the closing stages.

Deportes Iquique vs O’Higgins Head-to-Head Statistics

When Deportes Iquique and O’Higgins face off, historical matchups suggest a competitive fixture. Let’s delve into their last five encounters:

• 27 Apr 2025: O’Higgins 2-2 Deportes Iquique
• 24 Aug 2024: Deportes Iquique 1-3 O’Higgins
• 28 Mar 2024: O’Higgins 0-3 Deportes Iquique
• 12 Jan 2021: O’Higgins 2-2 Deportes Iquique
• 7 Mar 2020: Deportes Iquique 1-0 O’Higgins

These results indicate a mix of outcomes, with two draws, two Iquique victories, and one O’Higgins win. The most recent meeting in April ended in a draw, marking the third stalemate in five clashes. Notably, performances have been varied, with some high-scoring affairs and others marked by defensive solidity.

As such, past meetings suggest that while O’Higgins may come in with form favouring them, Deportes Iquique cannot be discounted, particularly given their knack for pulling off results in tight matches against this opponent.

Odds accurate as of 16 October 2025 00:31, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.