Argentina vs Paraguay
South America – 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Date: Wednesday; 12th October 2016,
Kick-off at 0:30 UK
Venue: Estadio Mario Kempes, Cordoba.
Argentina has not lost a game since their opening-round defeat in the hands of Ecuador last year. The team has currently drawn their last two matches after going on a four-game winning streak to settle at the fifth spot of the 10-man CONMEBOL table.
La Albiceleste was held to a 2-2 draw by lowly team Peru on the road at the Estadio Nacional in Lima during the previous matchday on Oct. 6, as per SkySports.
Everton center back Ramiro Funes Mori broke the deadlock at the 15th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the half.
Flamengo striker Paolo Guerrero was able to level the count two minutes before the hour mark, but Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuaín scored a goal at the 77th to give the lead back to the Argentinians.
However, Sao Paulo winger Christian Cueva was able to find the equalizer with a successful penalty kick at the 84th to help Peru salvage a draw.
Head coach Edgardo Bauza's side played without team leader Lionel Messi for the second straight game as the Barcelona forward is still recuperating from a thigh and groin injury. He is expected to again miss this qualifying match against Paraguay on Tuesday.
Paul Dybala is set to take Messi's role in Coach Bauza's plans and Juventus' promising forward is expected to deliver as he had in the past.
Meanwhile, Paraguay was nipped by contending team Colombia, 0-1, at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción also on Oct. 6 as the team suffered its second consecutive loss, Goal reported.
Colombia dominated much of the match as Paraguay was not able to take advantage of the absence of Los Cafeteros captain James Rodriguez, who is also out with a thigh injury.
Monterrey midfielder Edwin Cardona entered the game at the 77th minute and scored the winning goal for Colombia in stoppage time, handing head coach Francisco Arce's squad another heartbreaking defeat.
Argentina vs Paraguay: Head to Head Statistics
Argentina and Paraguay have played 15 games against each other.
Most of the games between the two teams have ended in draw as they have drawn 7 games.
Argentina have won 6 games against Paraguay and lost 2 games to Paraguay.
Argentina have also dominated their last 6 games against Paraguay, with 4 wins and 2 draws.
Furthermore, Argentina have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 games against Paraguay.
Argentina vs Paraguay: Prediction
Argentina are slightly better than their visitors in their recent games, with a win and 2 draws from their last 3 games. Meanwhile, Paraguay have won just once in their last 3 games and lost twice.
Argentina have scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 2 games while Paraguay have failed to score in their last 2 games.
Argentina may not be in the best of form at the moment, but losing this game is not an option. I expect the Argentine team to win this one.
Argentina vs Paraguay: Tips
Argentina win and over 2.5 goals at 1.83.
