Argentina vs Paraguay Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Preview

Joel Amorim Jun 09, 2015 @ 12:24 am

Next Saturday, 13th of June 2015, Leo Messi’s Argentina will measure forces with Paraguay at Estadio La Portada in La Serena for the second match of Group B of the 2015 Copa America edition. 

Argentina are always seen as firm favourites to win any competition in which they took part and the 44th edition of Copa America in Chile is definitely no exception. After being defeated in the World Cup final by their all-time rivals of Germany last Summer, Argentina have undergone some sort of a refurbishment process with arrival of Gerardo Martino to the helm of the team. The former Barcelona’s manager brought a new winning mentality to the team as well as a new game style and new game dynamics. Argentina were often accused to being on a constant state of numbness during Alejandro Sabella’s reign, however, things appear to be very different now.

On their last preparation match before the important tournament, La Albiceleste showed no mercy to Bolivia and hammered them by some a 5-0 result, thanks to a hat-trick by the usual suspect, Sergio Aguero, and two goals from Manchester United’s man, Angel Di Maria. Argentina displayed all of their attacking power and, as a consequence, they reduced Bolivia to dust. It was the fifth win in seven matches for Gerardo “Tata” Martino and his team seems to keep improving as the matches go by.

As for Paraguay, Los Guaranies failed to grant a place in last Summer’s World Cup and their recent record in friendly matches is far from being impressive. Just two wins in the last ten matches was the best Paraguay managed to achieve. Ramon Diaz, River Plate’s former manager, who took over the command of the team last year, has an huge and demanding task on his hands, as it will certainly not be easy to restore Paraguay’s glory in such a short period of time.

Los Guaranies failed to win any of their last four matches and last Sunday, they failed to get anything better than a 2-2 draw from their match against Honduras. The opening match against Argentina does not certainly come at the best of times, but a win against the former World Champions would surely inject a huge amount of motivation in a team that wants once again to make a stand in South American football.

Argentina

Stats: W-4 L-1 D-0

Recent Form - WWWLW

Paraguay

Stats: W-1 L-2 D-2

Recent Form - DLDLW

Possible Line-ups

Argentina (4-2-3-1) – Romero - Roncaglia - Garay - Otamendi - Rojo - Mascherano - Gago - Di Maria - Messi - Lavezzi - Aguero

Paraguay (4-5-1) - Villar - Caceres - Balbuena - da Silva - Samudio - V. Caceres - Ortiz - Benitez - Ortigoza - Romero - Santa Cruz

Injury List / Suspended Players

Argentina - None

Paraguay - Valdez (sus)

Head-to-head matches

Top Players:

Argentina - Leo Messi - Angel Di Maria - Sergio Aguero

Paraguay - Santa Cruz - Benitez - da Silva

League Positions