South America's World Championship qualifications are progressing at full speed and Paraguay host Venezuela to fight for the final qualifying seat.
Paraguay's progress in the nine rounds to date has been extraordinary. The team has a goal difference of 2:3 after nine games, which translates to barely 0.6 goals per match on average.
Their fixtures have been exclusively uneventful and their style makes it challenging to predict their next performance.
Venezuela's recent history has been far more conventional in football terms, although their performances have hardly left a lasting impression. Two wins and only seven goals scored in nine rounds are below their level, and it is not going to get easier from here on.
What matters in the end is that both teams are sitting on the edge of promotion and this match could turn out to be key at the end of the cycle. Neither side can afford to lose or draw this match as the majority of the opponents they will face next are in better forms right now.
How the bookies view it: Natural home advantage
As usual, the home side has a considerable advantage in odds. However, the 1/1 odds that Betano gave Paraguay seem excessive. Venezuela's chances have been pushed to 31/9 and the draw sits at 35/17.
Recent head-to-head: Tightest South American rivalry?
Paraguay and Venezuela are used to playing each other and the teams met in the qualifications for every World Cup in recent years. Their rivalry is extremely tight, with both sides picking three wins each in the last seven H2Hs.
Players to watch: Is there anyone to score here?
Our honest suggestion is to save your money and skip this fixture if you are looking to bet on a goalscorer. Paraguay have scored only two goals in nine games and Venezuela scored only twice in four away games. The odds may be better than usual but the risk is unjustified.
Probable line-ups
Paraguay: Fernandez, Balbuena, Gomez, Alderete, Caceres, Cubas, Bobadilla, Alonso, Almiron, Arce, Enciso
Venezuela: Romo, Gonzalez, Osorio, Ferraresi, Aramburu, Castillo, Rincon, Herrera, Savarino, Rondon, Soltedo
Anything else catch the eye?
Based on the fact that Paraguay had a maximum of one goal in all nine fixtures to date, it is hard to expect any action in this fixture. Even more with them being the hosts.
There is a glimmer of hope for the White and Reds as the team managed to go unbeaten in the last three WC qualifiers. They even beat the faceless Brazilian national team in September, winning 1-0 at home.
Venezuela won the reverse fixture in Maturin last year but their away performances have been horrible. Fernando Batista's team remains without a win after four games on the road.
The team that scores first in this match will win it but we expect another 0-0 on Tuesday. Betting on cards could be a valid option here, especially knowing how important this match is.
The previous H2H from Round 2 produced seven yellow cards and that was when the qualifications had just begun. With the teams sitting at 7th and 8th places, there is more on the line now.
This World Cup match between Paraguay and Venezuela will be played on Oct 16, 2024 and kick off at 00:00. Check below for our tipsters best Paraguay vs Venezuela prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
