Prediction: Brazil vs Paraguay

Verdict: Brazil to win at both HT/FT – yes

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2019 Copa America quarterfinals will begin this Thursday when the host nation, Brazil, takes on Paraguay at Arena do Gremio in Porto Alegre. Brazil start this match as the underwhelming favourite, but Paraguay have enough in them to make them sweat for the win – and even pull the upset. This match will kick-off on Thursday at 21.30 hrs, local time (01.30 UK Time).

Brazil

Brazil couldn’t have ended the group stage with a stronger performance. Their first two Copa America fixtures – a 3-0 win over Bolivia and a scoreless draw against Venezuela – left a few doubts among the fanbase, but they bounced back in a big way notching a 5-0 victory over Peru. As a result, Tite’s men finished the group stage at the top of Group A, and will battle for a semifinal berth against Paraguay, the second-worst team of the third-placed sides. Brazil have the advantage of playing at home, but they have also looked solid on both ends of the pitch. Their eight goals during the group stage led all teams, but they also kept three consecutive clean sheets. Names like Alisson, Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho have dazzled so far, but Everton is one name to watch closely. The Gremio star has two goals in the tournament so far, and all signs point towards him departing to Europe once the tournament ends.

Team News

Brazil won’t have Casemiro available for this match. The Real Madrid midfielder has been suspended after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage.

Meanwhile, Fernandinho is doubtful. The Manchester City midfielder will be a game-time decision here.

Paraguay

Meanwhile, Paraguay had to wait until the end of the group stage to determine whether they would advance to the quarterfinals. Eduardo Berizzo’s men recorded two draws in their first two matches – 2-2 against Qatar and 1-1 against Argentina – before stumbling to a 1-0 loss against Colombia in the final group stage. However, they benefited from results in the other groups as Japan couldn’t top Ecuador. The Asian side ended with two points and -4 in goal differential, whereas Paraguay had the same point total, but only -1 in the goal-differential department. Now, La Albirroja will have to test their luck against one of the best sides in the world but they won’t do it at the peak of their game since they’re still trying to reach their best form under Berizzo’s tutelage. Paraguay certainly have enough talent to pull the upset in this one, but they’re far from a complete team and that might show in this contest. Especially considering Brazil have far more work under their belt.

Team News

Paraguay are at full strength entering this game. They don’t have reported absences.

Key Factors to Consider

• Brazil are undefeated in their last 10 matches in all competitions (W8, D2). In fact, they have not conceded a single goal in their last five outings.
• La Selecao have scored at least twice in each of their last five wins. They’ve netted over 2.5 goals in four of those victories as well!
• Paraguay, on the other hand, own a W1, D3, L1 mark in their last five games in all competitions. They’re yet to win in the 2019 Copa America (D2, L1).
• Four of Paraguay’s last five matches have featured under 2.5 goals in total.
• Brazil are undefeated in their last four H2H matches against Paraguay (W2, D4 – not including ET and/or penalties).

Conclusion

Paraguay can make things tough on Brazil, but they don’t have enough quality to stop their attack.

I believe Brazil will win this match and cruising, winning at both HT and FT.

Verdict: Brazil to win at both HT/FT – yes

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport