Uruguay vs Paraguay

World Cup, KO: 00:30, September 7, 2024, Estadio Centenario

Uruguay return to their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign when they host Paraguay on Friday. The Uruguayans have been solid in qualifying, particularly at home, and should prevail over an out-of-form Paraguay side.

Uruguay are coming off a decent performance at the Copa America, where they secured third place. They had a confident start, winning all three of their group stage matches, but stumbled through the knockout stages.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa will be pleased to be back on the qualification path, as Uruguay currently sit second in the table and have won their last three games. They have kept a clean sheet in all three of those victories, and beat Bolivia 3-0 in their previous match.

While Uruguay are flying high in the qualifiers, Paraguay are struggling to stand on their own two feet. Gustavo Alfaro’s men have just one win in their six games and are currently seventh in the table.

Paraguay have had a particularly tough time of late, having lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and have also crashed out of the group stage of the Copa America after losing all three of their games.

How the bookmakers see it: Uruguay all the way

Uruguay are overwhelming favourites with odds of 1/2 at Betfred. An unlikely Paraguay victory is valued at 9/2, while Betfred also offer odds of 4/1 for a draw.

Head to head: Uruguay in the lead

Uruguay have a 10-4 lead with four draws from 14 previous matches against Paraguay. The Uruguayans achieved the double during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, with both games ending 1-0.

Players to watch: Uruguay defence set to shine

Uruguay are led by a solid defence that has kept a clean sheet in their last three games. Sebastian Caceres should play at the back and can lead the Uruguayans to a clean sheet with 23/20 according to Betfred.

Even without Darwin Nunez, Uruguay still have enough attacking quality to beat Paraguay. Striker Cristian Olivera could play in attack and, along with the likes of Facundo Pellistri, could ensure the Uruguayans score more than 1.5 goals with 8/13 at Betfred.

Likely lineups

Uruguay have a stripped-down squad with players like Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Ginenez all suspended. With veteran striker Luis Suarez also announcing his retirement, Olivera is likely to take charge on Friday, while Sebastian Caceres should play in defence.

Paraguay have no suspensions and retain many of their players who played in the Copa America. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron are likely to play in attack alongside Antonio Sanabria, while Fabian Balbuena should lead the defence.

Uruguay: Rochet, Varela, Caceres, Marichal, Vina, Ugarte, Valverde, Pellitri, Arrascaeta, Rodriguez, Olivera
Paraguay: Fernandez, Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Riveros, Villasanti, Bobadilla, Almiron, Enciso, Sosa, Sanabria

Is there anything else that stands out?

Uruguay won nil against Paraguay in their last encounter and can be set for a replay at 6/4 with Betfred. Given their attacking quality, the hosts can be backed to score in both halves at 13/10 with Betfred.

Since Uruguay are expected to score in both halves, Betfred can also bet on them to win both halves. The odds are 11/4.

This World Cup match between Uruguay and Paraguay will be played on 7 Sep 2024 and kicks off at 00:30. Check out our tipsters’ best prediction for Uruguay vs Paraguay below. You can also visit our special betting previews section for the most up-to-date match previews.

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