Paraguay are in need of a victory to keep pace
2 min read
Matchday 10 in CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying competition will see sixth-place Paraguay host second-place Argentina in Asuncion on Thursday night. The hosts are 2-5-2 and just two points behind the playoff spot that is given to fourth place. The Copa America champions, meanwhile, are comfortably in second with a 5-3-0 record, looking well on their way to qualify for next year’s 2022 World Cup.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Thursday, Oct. 7 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Defensors del Chaco — Asunción, Paraguay
TV and Live stream: fuboTV (Try now)
Odds: Paraguay +550; Draw +250; Argentina -175 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Paraguay: On the verge of being left behind in terms of finishing in the top five, this needs to be a strong window for La Albirroja. A point against Colombia on Sept. 5 and then three more against Venezuela on Sept. 9 has put them in a promising position to try and catch Colombia here. With two winnable games after this one in Chile and Bolivia, this could be a huge opportunity to secure six points. With Colombia facing Uruguay, Brazil and Ecuador, they’ll feel good about their chances, but the defense must improve. They’ve conceded in their last five games in all competitions and eight of nine. A point here will feel good enough, but expect them to need a monster performance from Gustavo Gomez to have a chance.
Argentina: In a fine run of form and finally having an identity under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina are in a comfortable spot here. They’ll be expecting to win and to create chances by dominating the ball. With 41 shots combined in their last two games, they are in their best form in years. Can they keep it going in a hostile environment? Additionally, one guy to watch here, potentially off the bench, is River Plate striker Julian Alvarez. The 21-year-old has seven goals in 15 games this season for his club and is the next big thing in attack for the national team. With a move to Europe likely before long, this could be his chance to announce himself on the international stage with his incredible pace and technical ability. Don’t be shocked to see him score off the bench.
Prediction
Messi and Angel Di Maria score in the second half as Argentina leave with three more points and remain undefeated. Pick: Argentina 2, Paraguay 1
