COLOMBIA will be targeting a positive start as they battle Paraguay in their opening Group D fixture at Copa America. The Colombians have been superb in recent times and should be too strong for Paraguay, who have been far from their best lately.
Colombia head into this year’s competition seeking only their second Copa America title, with their first win coming way back in 2001. They have blown hot and cold in recent editions and finished third in the 2021 competition.
The Colombians will be feeling confident ahead of this year’s edition having impressed in recent times. Nestor Lorenzo’s men have won their last eight matches, with a 1-0 victory over Brazil among their results in that run.
Paraguay are two-time winners of the Copa America, although their last title was way back in 1979. They have constantly fallen short in recent times and crashed out of the quarter finals in the 2021 edition.
The Paraguayans head into Monday’s opener with just one win in their last five matches, although that win was a 1-0 victory over Panama in their final warm-up fixture. Daniel Garnero’s men had failed to win or score in their previous four matches.
How the bookies view it: Colombian triumph
Colombia are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a win priced at 4/6 by Betfred. An unlikely victory for Paraguay is valued at 4/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 23/10 for a draw.
Head to head: Colombia too strong
Colombia have a 13-4 advantage with four draws from 21 previous matches against Paraguay. The Colombians are also unbeaten in the last five meetings and claimed a 1-0 victory in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying clash back in November.
Last five H2H duels:
- 22/11/2023 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Paraguay 0-1 Colombia
- 20/11/2022 (International Friendly) – Colombia 2-0 Paraguay
- 17/11/2021 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Colombia 0-0 Paraguay
- 06/09/2021 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Paraguay 1-1 Colombia
- 23/06/2019 (Copa America) – Colombia 1-0 Paraguay
Players to watch: Keep an eye on Borre
Rafael Santos Borre is likely to lead the line for Colombia and could be the one to watch on Monday. The striker scored the only goal in the last meeting with Paraguay and is priced at 15/8 by Betfred to find the net once again.
With Paraguay struggling in attack, Colombia will be targeting a shutout on Monday. Yerry Mina will be the one to marshal the backline and can lead the Colombians to a clean sheet at 10/11 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Yerry Mina should start at the heart of the defence for Colombia while Jefferson Lerma is likely to line up in midfield. James Rodriguez should also feature in midfield while Luis Diaz and Rafael Santos Borre are set to lead the line.
Miguel Almiron did not feature in Paraguay's final warm-up fixture and could be handed a start on Monday while Julio Enciso is also likely to feature in attack.
Colombia: Vargas, Machado, Mina, Cuesta, Arias, Lerma, Ross, Diaz, James, Cordoba, Borre
Paraguay: Coronel, Velazquez, Balbuena, Alonso, Gimenez, Caballero, Villasanti, Enciso, Almiron, Sosa, Bareiro
Anything else catch the eye?
Colombia have won to nil in their last two meetings with Paraguay and could be set for a repeat at 7/5 with Betfred. They also have a knack for scoring multiple goals and could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 2/1 with Betfred.
Given the quality in Colombia’s attack, they could be tipped to score in both halves at 2/1 with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Colombia and Paraguay will be played on Jun 24, 2024 and kick off at 23:00. Check below for our tipsters best Colombia vs Paraguay prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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