Uruguay return to the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Paraguay on Friday. The Uruguayans have been solid in the qualifiers, particularly at home and should have the upper hand over an out of sorts Paraguay side.
Uruguay are coming off a decent showing at the Copa America where they secured a third place finish. They had made a confident start, winning all three of their group stage matches but stumbled through the knockout phase.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa will be pleased to be back on the qualifying trail, with Uruguay currently second on the standings having won their last three matches. They have kept clean sheets in all three wins, and triumphed 3-0 over Bolivia in their previous fixture.
While Uruguay are flying high in the qualifiers, Paraguay are struggling to find their feet. Gustavo Alfaro’s men have picked up just one win from their six matches and are currently seventh on the standings.
Things have been particularly rough for Paraguay in recent times having lost four of their last five matches across all competitions. They also crashed out of the group stage at the Copa America after losing all three of their matches.
How the bookies view it: Uruguay all the way
Uruguay have been installed as overwhelming favourites by the bookies and are priced at 1/2 with Betfred. An unlikely victory for Paraguay is valued at 9/2 while Betfred is also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Uruguay on top
Uruguay have a 10-4 advantage with four draws from 14 previous matches against Paraguay. The Uruguayans did the double during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, with both matches ending 1-0.
Players to watch: Uruguayan defence to shine
Uruguay have been driven by a solid defence that has kept clean sheets in their last three matches. Sebastian Caceres should feature at the back and can lead the Uruguayans to a clean sheet at 23/20 by Betfred.
Even without Darwin Nunez, Uruguay still have enough attacking quality to get the better of Paraguay. Forward Cristian Olivera could feature in attack and alongside the likes of Facundo Pellistri, can ensure the Uruguayans produce over 1.5 goals at 8/13 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Uruguay have a depleted squad with the likes of Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Ginenez all serving suspensions. With veteran striker Luis Suarez also announcing his retirement, Olivera is likely to lead the line on Friday while Sebastian Caceres should feature in defence.
Paraguay have no suspensions and retain much of the players that featured in the Copa America. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron are likely to feature in attack alongside Antonio Sanabria while Fabian Balbuena should lead the defence.
Uruguay: Rochet, Varela, Caceres, Marichal, Vina, Ugarte, Valverde, Pellistri, Arrascaeta, Rodriguez, Olivera
Paraguay: Fernandez, Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Riveros, Villasanti, Bobadilla, Almiron, Enciso, Sosa, Sanabria
Anything else catch the eye?
Uruguay won to nil in the last meeting with Paraguay and could be set for a repeat at 6/4 with Betfred. Given their attacking quality, the hosts could be backed to score in both halves at 13/10 with Betfred.
With Uruguay expected to score in both halves, they could also be backed to win both halves at 11/4 with Betfred.
This World Cup match between Uruguay and Paraguay will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Uruguay vs Paraguay prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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