PARAGUAY were pummelled in their Olympics opener against Japan so they need a response against Israel in Group D to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
I thought the Paraguayans would cause Japan a few problems but a red card for Wilder Viera after just 25 minutes saw the roof cave in on them.
The Japanese were already one up when the aptly-named midfielder was sent packing and they cruised to a 5-0 win as the dispirited South Americans fell apart.
In a group where goal difference could be important it was a terrible result but Paraguay can still qualify if they hit back in their final two games.
The good news was that Israel and Mali battled out a 1-1 draw in the other group game, with both recommended bets landing for me.
The controversy over Israel's involvement in the Games has fired their players up even more to make an impact in Paris this summer.
They did well to take a point against Mali and if the Israelis can bank another three in this game they would put one foot in the knockout stages.
How the bookies view it: Paraguay favourites to bounce back
Despite copping that heavy beating against Japan, Paraguay are Betfred's 5/4 favourites for this one. Israel were 2/1 outsiders for their opener and it's the same story here, with the draw paying 21/10.
Head to head: More history made
Just like Israel's opening game with Mali, new ground will be broken in this match as these sides have never faced off before.
Players to watch: Dor's open for the Israelis
Israel had an own goal to thank for their point against Mali in the opener but Dor Turgeman looked a threat in attack. The Maccabi Tel Aviv forward is a good prospect and seems overpriced at 10/3 with Bet365 to breach a defence that conceded five times against Japan.
Brighton star Julio Enciso was starved of service in Paraguay's opener after the red card. But the tricky forward is capable of moments of magic and also looks decent value at 11/4 for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Israel should be along similar lines to their group opener while Viera misses out through suspension for Paraguay. The South Americans might also be tempted to make a few more changes, especially at the back.
Israel: Niron, Feingold, Goldberg, Lemkin, Ben Harosh, Gandelman, Gloukh, Abada, Ferede, Turgemon, Madmon.
Paraguay: Fernandez, De Jesus, Cantero, Flores, Balbuena, Gomez, Perez, Caballero, Parzajuk, Enciso, Frutos.
Anything else catch the eye?
Paraguay need to go for the win so this should be a decent watch as the Israelis have lots of pace on the counter attack. BTTS pays just 4/5 but the odds are better for over 2.5 goals at 11/10.
With the South Americans coming off the back of a heavy defeat, it could pay to back Israel to win either half, with that bet paying a tempting 21/20.
For a long-odds option, Bet365 are offering 12/1 on an own goal being scored, a bet that landed in Israel's opener and in countless games at Euro 2024.
This Olympics match between Israel and Paraguay will be played on Jul 27, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Israel vs Paraguay prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
