World Cup qualifying predictions, betting odds and tips: Paraguay poised to maintain their progress

Best bets

Paraguay draw no bet
Paraguay v Uruguay, midnight
2pts 4-6 bet365

Brazil
Ecuador v Brazil, midnight, Premier Sports 1
1pt 23-20 bet365, Coral

World Cup qualifying predictions

Paraguay have not played at the highest stage since their quarter-final exit at South Africa 2010 but they are travelling nicely along the road to the 2026 World Cup and can take another massive step forward by defeating Uruguay in Asuncion.

The expansion of next year's World Cup to 48 teams is good news for both teams, who each have 21 points from 14 games in the Conmebol section and are firmly on course for a top-six finish and automatic qualification.

Third-placed Uruguay are ahead of fifth-placed Paraguay on goal difference and both have a handy six-point cushion to seventh-placed Venezuela, who occupy the solitary playoff spot.

But Uruguay are probably approaching the final four games with a sense of frustration because they have failed to kick on following a superb start to the campaign.

After taking 13 points from their first six games, Marcelo Bielsa's side were second in the table and looked set to give Argentina a run for their money in the race for top spot.

However, they have won just one of eight qualifiers since September and are heading to Paraguay without a couple of key players, with striker Darwin Nunez suspended and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde ruled out with a back injury.

Conmebol World Cup qualifying Matchday 15 Fixtures

Bielsa won't be panicking but his team may struggle to cope with Paraguay, who are one of the form teams in the section.

La Albirroja are unbeaten in eight qualifiers, including a 2-1 victory at home to Argentina.

They have taken 16 points from seven home games and look overpriced to add another three on matchday 15.

Fourth-placed Brazil are sandwiched between Paraguay and Uruguay on 21 points and will be focused on improving their position when travelling to second-placed Ecuador for their first match under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Samba Stars have won just two of seven away qualifiers but they should benefit from a different voice in the dugout and will be much happier to be facing Ecuador in low-lying Guayaquil rather than lofty Quito, where six of La Tri's seven home qualifiers have taken place.

Brazil will be aiming to respond after a 4-1 loss away to Argentina last time out and they look worth backing at odds-against.

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