Uruguay vs Paraguay Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, September 7, 2024
The exciting World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL match between Uruguay and Paraguay kicks off on September 7, 2024, at 01:30:00. This fixture is a mix of emotions and tactical interests. Uruguay faces their first major test without Luis Suárez, following his retirement. It’s the end of an era for the national team. On the other side, Paraguay is starting fresh with new coach Gustavo Alfaro, hoping for a turnaround.
Uruguay seems to have the upper hand, having won four of their last five games against Paraguay. But missing Suárez adds a twist, putting pressure on Uruguay to tweak their attack plans. Paraguay, after losing to Costa Rica, is eager to bounce back. Under Alfaro, they might pose a surprise challenge.
Injuries to key players like Federico Viñas and Ronald Araujo create questions for Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s defeat to Costa Rica shows they have performance issues. This game is crucial for both teams in the qualification race.
Uruguay vs Paraguay Prediction & Betting Tip
Both teams are eyeing World Cup qualification, and the prediction favors a win for Uruguay. Their history and strategy give them the edge. Betting odds also lean towards Uruguay’s victory.
| Uruguay vs Paraguay Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Uruguay to win | 1.54 |
| Draw | 3.91 |
| Paraguay to win | 6.26 |
| Suggested Bet: Over 2.5 goals | 2.00 |
The suggestion is to bet on over 2.5 goals. Uruguay’s attack seems strong, and the Suárez retirement could boost them emotionally. With past performances and attacking skills, expect a thrilling match with plenty of action.
Uruguay vs Paraguay Odds
Looking at past performances and current form, the odds are in favor of Uruguay winning this qualifier.
| Uruguay vs Paraguay Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Uruguay Win | 1.54 |
| Draw | 3.91 |
| Paraguay Win | 6.26 |
The odds show Uruguay as clear favorites. A draw is possible with odds of 3.91, as Paraguay might challenge this narrative. Paraguay’s odds of 6.26 reflect their role as underdogs, considering past results and recent form.
Uruguay Team Analysis
Uruguay Recent Performance
Uruguay has shown a mix of strength and adaptability in their recent games. They’ve pulled off impressive results, with a strong show against Brazil and a steady performance in Copa América.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | Brazil | 0-0 |
| Uruguay | Canada | 1-1 (Won on penalties) |
| USA | Uruguay | 1-2 |
| Uruguay | Guatemala | 1-1 |
| Uruguay | Brazil | 1-0 |
Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has been defensively solid, difficult to break in key games. Darwin Núñez is a standout, scoring crucial goals in the qualifiers. Pressure mounts to fix their scoring challenges, as seen in the drawn-out goals against Guatemala, all while dealing with injuries.
Uruguay Key Players
Uruguay’s lineup features key players who can change the game outcome. Darwin Núñez leads the attack with significant goals in this qualifying round, remaining strong despite occasional injuries.
The absence of Luis Suárez leaves a leadership gap, but Coach Bielsa can rely on young talents to step up. Federico Valverde is key in midfield, creating chances and ensuring defensive discipline.
Matías Viña, now fit, strengthens the defense, despite recent injuries. Nicolás De La Cruz’s flexibility in transitioning into attacks will be crucial. Although Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, his usual presence brings leadership and control to the midfield.
Uruguay Suspensions & Injuries
Uruguay faces several absences affecting their match strategy. The team has to adjust for these injuries and suspensions:
| Player | Issue | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Federico Viñas | Achilles injury | Indefinite |
| Ronald Araujo | Hamstring injury | Mid-September 2024 |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | Suspension | Next match eligible |
| Giorgian de Arrascaeta | Thigh injury | Recovery underway |
| Matías Viña | Knee injury | Recovery ongoing |
Uruguay’s coaching team must strategically handle these gaps. They need tactical plans to keep competitiveness intact during this vital clash.
Uruguay Tactics and Formation
Uruguay is likely to use a 4-3-3 formation, fitting Bielsa’s style of high pressing and fast counter-attacks. Darwin Núñez should lead the front line, with support from active wingers.
The midfield trio will likely manage quick possession shifts, aiming to dominate crucial areas. Adjustments in defense will be crucial to cope without Araujo, keeping discipline as a priority.
Exploiting set-pieces could be critical, as Uruguay tends to have aerial strength over Paraguay, a known vulnerability for the opponents.
Paraguay Team Analysis
Paraguay Recent Performance
Paraguay has struggled to keep steady results, evident in their recent work on fixing form issues. Their latest 1-2 defeat against Costa Rica highlights ongoing adjustments.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Paraguay | Brazil | 0-3 |
| Paraguay | Panama | 2-1 |
| Chile | Paraguay | 3-0 |
| Paraguay | Costa Rica | 1-2 |
| USA | Paraguay | 0-1 (Win) |
Despite showing defensive flaws in heavy losses like those to Brazil and Chile, there’s hope under new coach Gustavo Alfaro. A win against Panama broke a five-game winless streak, sparking some tactical optimism.
Paraguay Key Players
Key players in Paraguay’s squad are essential to their gameplay. Antonio Sanabria, the top scorer in the qualifiers so far, is vital to their attack.
Miguel Almirón is known for his creativity, helping in transition and pressing counter systems. Gustavo Gómez, the experienced defender, adds stability, though recent weaknesses suggest an overhaul in formation.
Missing playmaker Matías Rojas due to injury poses a challenge for midfield creativity. With emerging young talent in the mix, coach Alfaro has options to explore for strategic advantage.
Paraguay Suspensions & Injuries
Paraguay needs to manage key player injuries during their coaching reset:
| Player | Issue | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Matías Rojas | Ankle injury | Late October 2024 |
This affects team depth and forces tactical changes. Rojas’s absence in the midfield pushes Alfaro to think about different formations to counterbalance this impact.
Paraguay Tactics and Formation
Gustavo Alfaro aims to set a strong defense in a 4-4-2 setup, adapting to a 4-3-3 when needed. A solid midfield focuses on keeping possession efficiently, making the best use of Almirón’s moves.
The defense hinges on Gustavo Gómez’s leadership to maintain control. Paraguay must be wary of Uruguay’s attacking power and avoid leaving spaces open.
Objectives should focus on long-range tactical alignment, checking Uruguay’s aggressive play tendencies.
Uruguay vs Paraguay Head-to-Head Statistics
Past meetings show Uruguay’s dominance over Paraguay. Consistent results give Uruguay a psychological edge, building on their recurring success.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | Paraguay | 1-0 |
| Uruguay | Paraguay | 2-2 |
| Paraguay | Uruguay | 0-1 |
| Uruguay | Paraguay | 2-0 |
| Paraguay | Uruguay | 1-2 |
Uruguay’s scoring strength is evident against Paraguay’s struggles, showcasing resilience and advantage from past encounters.
Venue and Weather
The match is at Montevideo, Uruguay, where the home crowd delivers passionate support for their team. This electric atmosphere often tips the scales in Uruguay’s favor.
Weather forecasts suggest mild temperatures around 15°C, matching Montevideo’s early spring climate. This is ideal for keeping performance levels high and ensuring an exciting game of football.
With a low wind factor, minimal strategic adjustments might be needed for set pieces. There’s a minor 20% chance of rain, so the game should continue on dry pitches, maintaining the quality and pace.
Both teams, with these favorable conditions and home energy, are set to display their best football talents on this huge stage.
