Further consolidating sixth place in the qualifying group is the goal for Paraguay, which has not played in a World Cup final phase since 2010. The long wait for 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 to go – it will be certain of a place in North America without having to play an inter-zone playoff.
Paraguay will therefore seek to defend its four-point lead over seventh place, achieved thanks to the surge that Sanabria and his teammates have enjoyed since September following an extremely disastrous Copa America. In the last six games, La Albirroja has remained unbeaten (three wins and three draws) and last November even beat reigning world champions Argentina, thanks to goals from the Torino 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 dash Chile’s hopes of a comeback, a team that would currently be out of the running.
La Roja, in fact, is second from bottom with nine points and the only realistic goal is to try to at least finish seventh and play in the play-offs. November’s 4-2 victory over Venezuela reignited Ricardo Gareca’s side’s hopes, but to continue climbing the table, they will need to start picking up results away from home: no team has done worse than Chile on the road (five defeats and one draw). The Chilean coach is still relying on the ‘old guard’, calling up Sanchez, Vidal, Vargas, and Aranguiz, while his colleague Alfaro will have to do without captain Gustavo Gomez, who is injured.
Odds comparison
The “Under 2.5” bet is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “No Goals” bet is priced 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. Otherwise, they have been tight matches, including the 0-0 draw in the first leg. We don’t expect anything different, even though Paraguay has shown that it has changed gear in its autumn matches and, in our opinion, starts as slight favorites. However, Chile should not be underestimated, as they have one of their last chances to close the gap on seventh place and get back into contention for qualification.
Probable line-ups for Paraguay v 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