Prediction: Paraguay vs Argentina

Verdict: Argentina win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Getting their World Cup qualifying campaign back underway late on Thursday night, Argentina will travel to Paraguay.

Paraguay

Starting with the hosts, while Paraguay might have endeared a public Copa America nightmare over the summer as they lost each of their three Group D appearances, Los Guaranies do appear to have found a welcomed boost over the past couple of months. Last seen on October 16th claiming a 2-1 victory at home against Venezuela, Gustavo Alfaro’s men mark their return on Thursday night battling it out in the top-six. Now unbeaten in each of their previous four World Cup qualifying appearances, Paraguay also collected what was a famous scalp back in September. Collecting a sensational 1-0 win against South American giants Brazil, the midweek hosts will be desperately seeking another gritty performance here. However, hit with a 1-0 defeat when they last met Argentina for their reverse showdown 13 months ago, they have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous 12 straight matchups against the reigning world champions.

Team News

Appearing to have recently cemented his spot as Paraguay’s number one, veteran goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez will start between the sticks here. While Newcastle star Miguel Almorin could be set for a January move away from St. James’ Park, the 30-year-old will earn a 63rd international cap on Thursday night.

While Julio Encisco might have made just a single Premier League start since the middle of September, the Brighton youngster will play a leading role. Getafe’s Omar Alderete will partner skipper Gustavo Gomez at the heart of Paraguay’s defence.

Argentina

As for the visitors, making real history out in Qatar in the winer of 2022 as they got their hands on a first world crown since 1986, Argentina have only continued on a sensational purple patch. Last seen on October 16th stormed their way to a 6-0 romp against Bolivia, the South American giants mark their return on Thursday night holding a three-point buffer over the chasing pack. Crowned Copa America champions over the summer as they secured a nail-biting 1-0 victory against Colombia, Lionel Scaloni’s men will be looking to lay down another qualifying marker here. In fact, cementing their spot as the most dominant international squad from across the globe, Argentina have suffered just a pair of defeats over the past two years. Landing that 1-0 win when they welcomed Paraguay to Buenos Aires 13 months ago, the one-time West Ham defender will be calling on a repeat outcome on Thursday night.

Team News

Signing off October’s international break with a hat-trick against Bolivia, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will once again lead out Argentina on Thursday night. Likewise, despite serving a two-match suspension last month, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will return between the sticks in midweek.

Playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title charge this season, former Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister will start in the middle of the park. Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho has been recalled to Scaroni’s squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Paraguay and Argentina met for their reverse qualifying showdown in October 2023, the reigning world champions picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• Argentina have lost just one of their previous 12 meetings against Paraguay across all competitions.
• Paraguay are unbeaten in all of their previous four World Cup qualifying appearances.
• Argentina have suffered just a pair of defeats across any competition over the past two years.
• All of the last seven consecutive meetings between Paraguay and Argentina have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Paraguay might have turned a much-welcomed corner over the past couple of months, Thursday’s hosts should be bracing themselves for a monumental challenge here. Hit with a 1-0 loss when they met the reigning world champions for their reverse qualifying showdown last year, Argentina will be looking to widen their buffer at the top of the table. Losing just one of their previous 12 straight meetings against Paraguay across all competitions, we are backing an away win for the South American icons late on Thursday night.

Verdict: Argentina win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet