Paraguay vs Peru: Preview and Prediction

Paraguay vs Peru
South American – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Date: Thursday, 10th November 2016,
Kick Off at 23:30 UK.
Venue: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion.

Paraguay are not having a consistent run in the South American qualifiers this term. But their 15 points from 10 matches give them plenty of hope to topple some of the big guns to make it inside the top 4. They are currently 7th in the standings, but there is only 2 point separating them from the third placed Ecuador. While the likes of Argentina and Chile are at a 1 point distance.

The round 11 of the South American World Cup qualifiers will be very significant as we might see some twist and turns in the standings at the end of the day. Paraguay could move to third if they win their fixture and results everywhere else turn in their favour. While Peru who have 11 points are 8th in the table, they will remain at the same position even with a win. But 3 points will certainly improve their chances of qualifying or even a play-off spot.

Peru have managed only three wins in the qualifiers, out of which two have come at home against Ecuador and Paraguay and a lone away win against struggling Bolivia. The 3-0 win at Bolivia on September 2016 was their first away win in a qualifier since 2014 after a long win-less streak of 26 matches.

Paraguay’s home form in the current qualifiers is good as they were beaten only once – 1-0 by Colombia in the latest fixture. They won 2 and draws 2 in the remaining 4, which included some excellent draws against Brazil and Argentina and a valuable win against Chile.

Paraguay vs Peru: Head-to-Head Stats

Peru earned a 1-0 win when they met Paraguay for the first leg clash on November 2015. Jefferson Farfan scored the lone goal in the 20th minute of the match from a Paolo Guerrero assist. They also met during the Copa America Centenario in the United States on July and once against Peru had the last laugh with a 2-0 win.

Paraguay have lost in the last three meeting with Peru in all competitions, with all fixtures played outside their home. While at home, Paraguay are unbeaten in the last 7 with 6 wins and a draw.

Paraguay vs Peru: Predictions

This is a match both team want to win to improve their chances of qualifying. As a result Paraguay will be taking the home advantage and are expected to go on the offensive from the word go. Peru on the other hand will sit back and wait for their chances on the break. However, both teams lack genuine play makers or match winners. Also they do not possess a consistent goal scoring striker.

Paraguay will go in as favourites mainly on the back on their good home record in the qualifiers this term and also the head-to-head record against Peru at home. The home side have scored 2 goals in 3 of their last 4 matches at Asuncion, so over 1.5 goals for Paraguay is a worthy alternate bet for this fixture.