Paraguay’s objective is to further consolidate their sixth place in the preliminary round, they haven’t played in the World Cup finals since 2010. The long wait for the Albirroja fans could end after 16 long years: if the team led by Argentine Gustavo Alfaro finishes the qualifying campaign in this position – with six games left to play – they would be sure of a ticket to North America, without having to play the inter-zone play-off.
Paraguay will therefore try to defend the 4-point advantage over seventh place, obtained thanks to the “spurt” that Sanabria and his teammates have had since September after an extremely disastrous Copa America. In the last 6 rounds the Albirroja has remained unbeaten (3 victories and as many draws) and last November they even managed to beat Argentina, the reigning world champions, punished by the Torino-owned striker and Alderete (2-1, Lautaro Martinez’s goal was useless).
Chile, play-off still possible
Alfaro’s men now have the chance to extend their lead over Bolivia and also quash Chile’s hopes of a comeback, a team that at the moment would be out of the running.
La Roja, in fact, is second to last with 9 points and the only realistic objective is to try to at least get seventh place and play the play-off. The victory in November against Venezuela (4-2) has rekindled the hopes of Ricardo Gareca’s team, but to continue climbing the rankings they will need to start getting results away from home: no one has done worse than Chile (5 defeats and a draw). The Chilean coach is still counting on the “old guard”, calling up Sanchez, Vidal, Vargas and Aranguiz, while his colleague Alfaro will have to do without the injured captain Gustavo Gomez.
Odds comparison
The “Under 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai. The “No Goal” sign is quoted at 1.55 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.57 on Snai.
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The prediction
Since 2021, every time these teams have faced each other, there have been more than two goals only in friendlies. For the rest, exclusively tight matches, including the 0-0 draw in the first leg. We don’t expect anything different, even if Paraguay have shown they’ve picked up the pace in the autumn matches and are, in our opinion, slightly favorites. But be careful not to underestimate Chile, who have one of the last chances to get closer to seventh place and get back in the running for qualification.
The probable line-ups for Paraguay-Chile
PARAGUAY (4-4-2): Fernandez; Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almiron; Enciso, Sanabria.
CHILE (4-2-3-1): Cortes; Loyola, Maripan, Diaz, Suazo; Vidal, Echeverria; Sanchez, Pizarro, Cepeda; Vargas.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0