With just two matches remaining after this round of fixtures in South America World Cup qualifying, every point is crucial and both Paraguay and Uruguay need them if they are to reach Russia. Paraguay qualified for four World Cup tournaments between 1998 and 2010, reaching the quarter-final in South Africa which is their best performance. However, they failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil and will be looking to make amends by playing in Russia.
World Cup Qualifiers – Wednesday 6th September – 01:00
|
Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at Betfred |
|
Paraguay
UruguayUruguay won the World Cup twice in its early years but have only qualified for the three tournaments between 1994 and 2016. Their best finish was fourth place in 2010 and they were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage in Brazil.
Paraguay Form
Paraguay come into this match sitting in seventh place in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table. They have 21 points to their name, having won 6, drawn 3 and lost 6 of their 15 matches.
Much like Argentina, who are 2 points and two places above them in the table, Paraguay have struggled to score goals and have netted 16 times across 15 games. Qualification for the World Cup looked out of reach for Paraguay before they produced a stunning performance on Thursday to defeat Chile 3-0 away from home.
No one saw this result coming and now they have given themselves a glimmer of hope. They will hope to improve defensively at home having conceded in each of their last 6 World Cup qualifying games.
Uruguay Form
Uruguay currently occupy third place in the group and have 24 points from their 15 games, which leaves them 3 points clear of Paraguay down in seventh. The small margin between the teams highlights what a tough campaign this has become.
Uruguay have won 7, drawn 3 and lost 5 of their World Cup qualifying games, scoring 26 goals and conceding 17 times.
Last time out they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Argentina and that result means it is now 4 World Cup qualifying games without a win for Uruguay, who previously lost to Chile, Brazil and Peru.
Away from home, Uruguay have won only 1 match during this campaign, which came on the opening day at Bolivia. Since then they have drawn 2 and lost 4, scoring in 5 of those games but conceding in them all.
Team News
Paraguay midfielder Christian Riveros is hoping to receive his 100th cap in this match and will join defender Paulo da Silva as the two players in the squad with three figure appearances. Brazilian based striker Lucas Barrios should start up-front.
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will start the game in attack for Uruguay, with the latter currently the top scorer in qualifying with 11 goals to his name. Uruguay can also call upon the experienced Diego Godin and Maxi Pereira in defence.
Top Betting Tips
Given the recent record of both teams when it comes to defending, they will each fancy their chances of scoring goals in this match. Both teams to score is available at 4/5 with Ladbrokes.
Uruguay have been struggling to win matches and while Paraguay have been inconsistent they are coming into this game on the back of a great win in Chile. With the home crowd behind them this could see Paraguay come through to take maximum points. Paraguay are 9/5 to win the match with Ladbrokes.
If they are to win the game, Paraguay will need to score at least 2 goals given their defensive record. Paraguay to win 2-1 is on offer at 9/1 with Ladbrokes.