Game Preview
Paraguay
Paraguay enters this match after a 1-0 victory against Panama in an international friendly, thanks to a goal from right-back Gustavo Velazquez. In Group D, which includes Brazil and Costa Rica, Paraguay is not expected to finish in the top two. Their main challenge is the lack of a natural goalscorer, with Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United being their most recognizable player. Julio Enciso from Brighton is also in the squad but has yet to score in 14 appearances.
Colombia
Colombia’s last match saw them secure a 3-0 win over Bolivia in a heated friendly, where both teams had a player sent off. Coach Néstor Lorenzo has selected an experienced squad, including David Ospina, Davinson Sánchez, Yerry Mina, and captain James Rodríguez. Luis Díaz is a key player with 12 goals in 49 appearances. Colombia has a strong lineup with only one home-based player, third-choice goalkeeper Álvaro Montero.
Key Stats & Insights
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Colombia:
- Last game: 3-0 win against Bolivia.
- Recent form: 5 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws in the last 10 competitive games.
- Average goals: 1.0 per game.
- Top scorer: Luis Díaz with 3 goals.
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Paraguay:
- Last game: 1-0 win against Panama.
- Recent form: 2 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws in the last 10 competitive games.
- Average goals: 0.4 per game.
- Top scorer: Antonio Sanabria, Robert Morales, and Miguel Almiron with 1 goal each.
Team Form and Performance
Colombia – Last 10 Competitive Games:
- Wins: 5
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 2
- Goals Scored: 1.0 per game
- Possession: 56.1%
- Top Performers: Luis Diaz (3 goals), James Rodriguez (2 goals and 2 assists)
Paraguay – Last 10 Competitive Games:
- Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 6
- Goals Scored: 0.4 per game
- Possession: 44.5%
- Top Performers: Antonio Sanabria, Robert Morales, Miguel Almiron (1 goal each)
Head-to-Head Records
In the last six meetings since October 2017:
- Colombia Wins: 3
- Paraguay Wins: 1
- Draws: 2
- Goals: 9 (Colombia 6, Paraguay 3)
- Last Match: Paraguay 0-1 Colombia (WC Qualifiers, November 21, 2023)
Possible Player Form and Availability
Colombia (Predicted Lineup):
- Goalkeeper: David Ospina
- Defenders: Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Carlos Cuesta, Deiver Machado
- Midfielders: Mateus Uribe, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez
- Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba
Paraguay (Predicted Lineup):
- Goalkeeper: Carlos Miguel
- Defenders: Gustavo Velazquez, Fabian Balbuena, Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso
- Midfielders: Mathias Villasanti, Andres Cubas, Miguel Almiron, Ramon Sosa
- Forwards: Adam Bareiro, Julio Enciso
Market Analysis (Odds)
- Colombia Win: 1.73 (58% probability)
- Paraguay Win: 5.50
- Under 2.5 Goals: Favored in betting markets
- BTTS No: 1.67
Predictions
Colombia is expected to dominate the match and create several scoring opportunities. While Paraguay may struggle to score, they are likely to have some possession and could potentially find the net.