Paraguay have lost four of their last eight fixtures
Australia have lost one of their last 11 competitive games
Recommended bet: Australia draw no bet @ 23/20 with LiveScore Bet
Australia struggled to get going in their 2-0 loss to the USA but they remain second in Group D and are in a decent position as they prepare to take on third-placed Paraguay at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
After two wins from two, USA have sewn up first place in the section already, leaving Australia and Paraguay to compete for the runners-up spot.
But both teams will be aware of the potential value of the draw, which would keep Australia in second place and move Paraguay onto a four-point haul which should also seal them a place in the knockout rounds.
Neither team may be keen to take too many risks, although finishing second could hold plenty of value because it would set up a last-32 tie against the second-placed team in Group G, which appears to be among the softer sections in the tournament.
Team news
Miguel Almiron is serving a suspension for Paraguay after his red card in the 1-0 victory over Turkey. Midfielder Diego Gomez was unable to finish that game, but is expected to continue in the starting XI.
Matthew Leckie (hamstring) is a major doubt for Australia and could make way for Cristian Volpato.
Nestory Irankunda impressed off the bench against the USA and has a good chance of displacing Mohamed Toure from the line-up.
The latest Paraguay vs Australia odds are available on LiveScoreBet
The stats
Paraguay have scored one goal in four of their last five matches.
The Red and White have lost just two of their last 14 competitive fixtures.
Paraguay have conceded less than two goals in five of their last six competitive games.
Five of Australia’s last six games have featured less than three goals.
The Socceroos have conceded less than two goals in five of their last six matches.
Prediction
The latest Paraguay vs Australia odds are available on LiveScoreBet
Australia won two of their group matches at the 2022 World Cup and they can move onto six points this summer as well by defeating Paraguay in a tense encounter.
There has been a lot of talk about both teams settling for a single point, but that ignores the potential value of finishing in second place instead of third.
Paraguay may be inclined to push for the victory and, by doing so, they could leave themselves open against an Australia side which has threats on the counter-attack.
Socceroos’ substitutes Irankunda and Volpato came off the bench against the USA and caught the eye with their pace and movement.
Both should be more involved in Australia’s final group match and they could give them the edge in a closely-fought game.
Back Australia draw no bet at 23/20 with LiveScore Bet
Score prediction: Paraguay 0-1 Australia
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