Chile value on their travels
A crucial 2-0 win in favour of Chile against Paraguay in the last international break gave La Roja the upper hand in the race for World Cup qualification. The top five teams in the unforgiving South American World Cup qualifying group of ten nations make the next stage, the top four automatically qualifying with fifth place entering the play-offs. Chile sit sixth with Paraguay in eighth but it is very tight. The hosts are unbeaten in their last three at home but are the second lowest scorers in the group, only Venezuela have plundered less.
Background
There is plenty of quality in both sides particularly the visitors, which is why I am surprised to see Paraguay come in as narrow favourites. Chile built some good momentum in the last international break and could put themselves right in the mix for qualification with a win on Thursday evening.
Ben Brereton Diaz, how can you not mention him, has become a talismanic figure since declaring his availability for the country last season and comes into this fixture looking to score in his third successive international outing. There is immense experience setting the tone within La Roja’s ranks as well with Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel still important players for their country, having tasted success and failure recently for Chile.
Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron is the standout name in the White and Reds’ squad and will be looking to impress his new manager Eddie Howe in the coming weeks. Torino’s Antonio Sanabria is a handful up front on his day and will be desperate to keep his nation’s qualification hopes alive with a positive performance.
Goals?
An unders punt appeals in this one, looking at these recent numbers it looks like a cagey affair may ensue.
- Paraguay have scored in four of ten.
- Paraguay have conceded in eight of ten.
- Paraguay have seen both teams score in three of ten.
- Paraguay have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
- Chile have scored in five of ten.
- Chile have conceded in six of ten.
- Chile have seen both teams score in two of ten.
- Chile have seen over 2.5 goals in two of ten.
Chile are only outsiders because they are away from home, in that I think there is some value to pounce on in a Chile based selection using the Asian Handicap.
Paraguay - Chile Betting Tip
Chile (0) Handicap with bet365 at odds of 1/1 or 2.00.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
An Antony Silva own goal gets us the win here, 1-0 Chile.