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Big Game Focus: Argentina v Paraguay

Soccer Football - Copa America Brazil 2019 - Group B - Argentina v Colombia - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil - June 15, 2019 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Argentina will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Paraguay in their second match of the Copa America. Bet on the match here.

Argentina lost their Copa America opener to Colombia by a 2-0 score line and this will have been a huge psychological blow to their hopes for a trophy. They have made it to the final recently on two previous occasions as they were beaten on penalties by Chile in the final in both 2015 and 2016.

Meanwhile, Paraguay drew 2-2 with Qatar in their opening game, which has left them struggling to qualify for the next round. Given that Argentina and Colombia are the favourites to top this group, they need to surprise Argentina, or they risk dropping out of the competition altogether.

Betting preview

Paraguay are on a poor run of form after winning just one of their last eight outings. With Argentina’s attacking talent, we can expect a reaction from the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero. Therefore backing Argentina to win promises value at odds 1.40

Three of Argentina’s last five outings have seen Under 2.5 Goals scored and the same is true for Paraguay. This is going to be a very cautious match for both sides and for that reason backing Under 2.5 Goals looks attractive at odds of 1.85.

Messi is expected to play a key role in this fixture and he will be eager to get his name on the score sheet. He scored a brace in their last win against Nicaragua and with Paraguay’s defensive vulnerability he makes an excellent punt for the Anytime Goalscorer market at odds of 1.80.

Team news

Argentina are expected to keep faith with their 4-4-2 system, which saw Aguero start up front last time out alongside Messi. Paulo Dybala may have to settle for another place on the bench alongside Milton Casco, Matias Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Acuña and Roberto Pereyra.

Paraguay are unlikely to make any major changes to the side which failed to beat Qatar at the weekend. Junior Fernandez started in goal against Qatar ahead of Alfredo Aguilar and striker Oscar Cardozo scored against Qatar and is expected keep his place in attack.

Possible line ups

Argentina: Armani, Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico, Celso, Paredes, Rodriguez, Messi, Aguero, Paul.

Paraguay: Fernandez,Valdez, Balbuena, Alonso, Arzamendia, Ortiz, Rojas, Gonzales, Almiron, Dominguez, Cardozo.

 

 

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