BRAZIL face Paraguay in a Group D clash at the Copa America as they look to bounce back from a disappointing showing in their opening fixture. The Paraguayans have been poor in recent times and Brazil will be confident of getting things right this time around.
Paraguay began their Group D campaign with a defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Colombia in their opening fixture. Julio Enciso pulled one back after going into the break two goals down but they were unable to complete the comeback.
While manager Daniel Garnero will be disappointed not to have completed the comeback, the result is consistent with Paraguay’s recent form. They have picked up just two wins in their last 10 matches, failing to score in seven fixtures in that run.
Brazil began their Copa America campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw with Costa Rica. They were untroubled at the back, ensuring the Costa Ricans had no attempts on goal but were wasteful in attack, failing to convert numerous goalscoring opportunities.
As one of the pre-tournament favourites, Brazil will be disappointed not to have begun with a win. However, manager Dorival Junior will be keen to focus on the positives like their defensive display, and will also be confident of finding their rhythm in attack.
Head to head: Brazil still favoured
Brazil are Still considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/10 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Paraguay is valued at 15/2 while a draw is set at odds of 7/2.
Head to head: Brazil still on top
Brazil have a 9-5 advantage with three draws from 17 previous matches against Paraguay. The Brazilians ran out 4-0 winners in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier back in 2022.
Players to watch: Eyes on Endrick
Endrick is likely to be handed his first start for Brazil and could be worth keeping an eye on. The young striker has three goals in the last five matches for the Brazilians and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to find the net on Saturday.
One of the positives for Brazil in the opening fixture was their defensive display, with Marquinhos and Eder Militao looking solid. They will be targeting another clean sheet on Saturday at 8/11 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Striker Adam Bareiro could be handed a start for Paraguay on Saturday after only making a second half appearance in the opening fixture. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron should retain their place in attack.
Brazil are likely to ring in the changes, particularly in attack, with Endrick expected to be handed a start. The backline is likely to remain untouched with Eder Militao and Marquinhos continuing their central defensive partnership.
Paraguay: Morinigo, Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza, Villasanti, Cubas, Caballero, Almiron, Enciso, Bareiro
Brazil: Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos, Eder Militao, Guilherme Arana, Joao Gomes, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Endrick
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Brazil’s defensive display in the opening fixture, they will be targeting a win to nil on Saturday at evens with Betfred. Having scored four times in their last meeting with Paraguay, a -1 handicap could be considered evens with Betfred.
The Brazilians won both halves in the last meeting with Paraguay and could be set for a similar pattern at 2/1 with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Paraguay and Brazil will be played on Jun 29, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Paraguay vs Brazil prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
