Uruguay v Paraguay betting tips: Celeste complete group stage in Rio
Published:
Copa America’s most successful team, Uruguay, have already progressed to the last eight of the 2021 edition but both they and Paraguay have slim chances of topping Group A.
Uruguay, who have won this tournament a record 15 times, sit fourth in the table with four points from three games but are only three points adrift of leaders Argentina, with Paraguay only one point back in second.
La Celeste are evens favourites to collect their second win of the competition but let’s examine some of the other odds and markets in our Uruguay v Paraguay betting tips.
Match Odds
Uruguay were listed as fourth favourites to claim a 16th title before the tournament began but their backers will be having doubts after a stuttering group stage.
They went into Copa America on a three-game winless streak which extended to five after an opening 1-0 loss to Argentina was followed by a 1-1 draw with Chile.
A 2-0 success against Bolivia, who remain pointless, secured their place in the next round but they will want to build on their first victory in six matches.
A repeat of the 2-0 scoreline is priced at 7/1, while a win to nil for Uruguay can be backed at 9/5 in Rio de Janiero.
Their last six games have seen two goals or fewer which is 4/9 to happen again, and they have drawn three times in that period, one of which was a goalless draw with Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier.
La Albirroja also tasted a 1-0 loss at the hands of Argentina but defeated Bolivia 3-1 in their opening game and won 2-0 against Chile in their most recent fixture.
Talking Tactics
Uruguay have operated a 4-4-2 formation throughout the 2021 Copa America but boss Oscar Tabarez has tweaked to a diamond shape in the last two fixtures, which has yielded four points.
Defensive stalwart Diego Godin still marshals the defence alongside former Atletico Madrid team-mate Jose Gimenez, while veteran strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani continue to work hard in attack.
Paraguay are not afraid to get their shots off in a preferred counter-attacking brand of football. They enjoyed more possession against Argentina and Bolivia and have had the most efforts on goal in all three of their group-stage matches so far.
Goalscorer Odds
Suarez and Cavani are Uruguay’s top two goalscorers of all-time, with 55 and 46 respectively, and are the favourites to find the net.
Atletico’s Suarez is the market leader at 10/3 to open the scoring, slightly ahead of his striker partner who is valued at 7/2 to break the deadlock.
Angel Romero is the joint-top goalscorer in the competition after his brace against Bolivia and he is 17/2 to net first and 4/1 during the course of the match, while Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron can be backed at 11/1 to score first or last and is valued at 5/1 to breach the defence.
Match Info
Where: Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro
When: 01:00, Tuesday 29th June
How to watch: BBC Digital
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
