World Cup 2022: Second-string Selecao Take on Second from Bottom Paraguay

Brazil vs Paraguay

Brazil’s lead at the top of South America’s World Cup 2022 qualifying standings has been cut to four points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador.

With Brazil already qualified for Qatar, Tite gave several players a chance to play last time out. Will he field another makeshift Selecao side when they take on Paraguay at home in their upcoming qualifier?

But despite missing Neymar and other first-team regulars, the World Cup 2022 betting odds still have the Brazilians favoured heavily at home against Paraguay, who are second-from-bottom in qualifying.

Talking Points

Brazil backups could get another run-out

Brazil suffered a rare qualifying setback as they drew 1-1 away to Ecuador last time out. It was just the Selecao’s third draw in this qualifying campaign, although their lead over second-placed Argentina has been cut to just four points.

With their qualifying spot in Qatar secured and star forward Neymar out injured, Brazil coach Tite made several changes to his starting lineup to give other players a chance to impress.

Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Leeds United’s Raphinha all started alongside Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho in attack, but not of them stood out all that much.

With Neymar, Roberto Firmino, and Richarlison all out, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho are the Selecao’s leading scorers with 18 goals apiece.

Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal also got a rare start, but he got a red card and will be suspended against Paraguay. Emerson’s suspension could see newly recalled 38-year-old Dani Alves getting another start.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Tite will hand starts to other members of the squad. Bruno Guimaraes, who is rumoured to be headed to Newcastle, Antony, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Barbosa are all contenders to get a starting spot in their second qualifier of the month.

Brazil’s backups will look to keep up their terrific home record in qualifying. They have won all six home games in qualifying, with 15 goals scored and just one goal conceded.

Paraguay still struggling to pick up points

Paraguay’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been quite a disappointment. They are currently second from bottom in the standings with just two wins in 15 games.

Paraguay’s most recent World 2022 results have seen them go winless in their last six games while losing four of the last five. They lost 1-0 to Uruguay last time out, with captain and centre-back Gustavo Gomez getting sent off in the 90th minute. Gomez is the country’s most experienced player with 59 caps, so his loss against Brazil will be a big loss.

Paraguay are also woefully short on attacking ability, which has been a big part of their struggles. They have scored just nine goals in 15 games, by far the fewest in qualifying.

Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron is the team’s most high-profile attacker, but the midfielder has scored just three goals in 42 international caps.

Striker Angel Romero had a hot run with four goals early in qualifying and also had two goals in last year’s Copa America. However, he has not scored since and was not called up for this latest round of qualifiers.

Paraguay have a dreadful away record in qualifying. Since their victory against Venezuela, they have gone winless in their last six away matches, with three defeats and three defeats. They have also failed to score in each of their last five.

History

Unsurprisingly, Brazil have dominated Paraguay, 50-13, while the two have drawn 19 times. Paraguay went a stretch of four games when they drew with Brazil, but they lost twice in extra-time in the Copa America.

Brazil have since won three games in a row, with Paraguay failing to score in each one of them. They won their first World Cup qualifier 2-0 with goals from Neymar and Lucas Paqueta.

Betting Tip

	Brazil vs Paraguay	Brazil Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.09
	February 2, 08:30 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Brazil installed as significant 1.33 favourites. Paraguay are priced at 8.75 while a draw is at 4.70.

While Brazil don’t have much left to play for, a handful of players will be eager to make a better impression after their disappointing display in Ecuador.

The Selecao have superior talent, and coupled with home advantage, they should have more than enough to get past the struggling Paraguayans.

 

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