USA vs Paraguay Predictions
The USA can make a winning start to their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles, but Paraguay look capable of getting on the scoresheet.
I’m backing BTTS in a likely entertaining contest at SoFi Stadium.
BTTS Likely in California
- USA have seen BTTS in 7 of their last 8 matches
- USA have conceded at least 1 goal in 13 of their last 14 matches
- Paraguay have scored at least 1 goal in 7 of their last 8 matches
USA Lead Paraguay in H2H Record
The USA and Paraguay meet for the seventh time on Friday evening. USA won four matches while Paraguay picked up two victories.
The Americans claimed a 2-1 success when these nations last met in a friendly fixture played in November last year.
USA Slip Against Germans
The USA begin their World Cup adventure after a narrow 2-1 defeat against Germany in their final warm-up fixture last weekend.
Antonee Robinson briefly levelled the contest for Mauricio Pochettino’s men before Germany snatched victory late in the second half.
Despite the defeat, the Americans produced an encouraging display against one of the tournament favourites. The Stars and Stripes also impressed in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Senegal earlier this month.
High-scoring outcomes have been frequent in recent US fixtures. Seven of their last eight matches saw both teams score, while six of their previous seven games finished with a minimum of three goals scored.
Paraguay Punish Nicaragua
Paraguay head to California after a comfortable 4-0 victory against Nicaragua in their final warm-up fixture. Miguel Almiron was among the scorers as the Guaranies completed their preparations with an impressive performance in Asuncion.
Since securing qualification for the World Cup, Paraguay have shown mixed form in friendly fixtures. Gustavo Alfaro’s side won three and lost three of seven matches played since October last year.
Goals have usually followed Paraguay in recent outings. BTTS landed in four of those seven friendlies, while the South Americans kept just one clean sheet during that run.
Squads and Team News
USA Squad
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Matt Freese, Chris Brady
Defenders: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name an attack-minded 4-3-3 selection in California. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah likely to lead the USA attack.
Paraguay Squad
Goalkeepers: Gatito Fernandez, Orlando Gill, Gaston Olveira
Defenders: Gustavo Velazquez, Omar Alderete, Juan Jose Caceres, Fabian Balbuena, Junior Alonso, Jose Canale, Gustavo Gomez, Alexandro Maidana
Midfielders: Ramon Sosa, Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron, Mauricio, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla, Kaku, Braian Ojeda, Matias Galarza, Gustavo Caballero
Forwards: Antonio Sanabria, Alex Arce, Julio Enciso, Gabriel Avalos, Isidro Pitta
Paraguay come into Friday’s opener with no fresh injury concerns reported by head coach Gustavo Alfaro.
Veteran playmaker Miguel Almiron is set to make his 77th international appearance, while Julio Enciso, Antonio Sanabria and Ramon Sosa should lead the South American attack in Los Angeles.