On Monday, March 27, in a friendly match at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Chile takes on Paraguay. After missing out on the FIFA World Cup last year, the hosts have had a terrible run of results recently and have dropped quickly in the FIFA rankings. Last time out, Chile and Slovakia played to a goalless draw. They may have believed they deserved more, but they were unable to stop an inspired Martin Dubravka in goal.
In contrast, Paraguay’s World Cup qualifying campaign was more difficult than their opponents’, and they finished eighth with 16 points from 18 games. Under manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto, they have not yet settled in. The visitors’ first game since their 2-0 loss to Colombia in November of last year will be on Monday.
Prediction
Since March of last year, Chile has lost nine games. They will be eager to get back to winning ways after losing four of their last five home games.
In contrast, Paraguay is losing consecutive games and has only won two of their last eight games across competitions. They may lose this one after recent struggles away from home.
Prediction: Chile beat Paraguay 1-0.
Head-to-Head
- Chile had a 29-28 advantage in 66 previous meetings.
- The last time the two teams met, La Roja won 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- After losing their previous three games, the hosts have won their last two in this matchup.
- In September of last year, Paraguay defeated Mexico 1-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the United States, their sole away victory in the previous two seasons.
- In 11 games across competitions, Chile has only kept two clean sheets.
- After scoring in four consecutive games, La Albirroja have not scored in three games.
Team news
Alexis Sanchez is La Rojas’ all-time leading scorer with 50 goals. He is tied with Gary Medel for most appearances made (152), and captain Claudio Bravo is third on the team with 144 appearances made.
Only Bruno Barticciotto, Alexander Aravena, and Matias Catalan have been selected for this match and are still vying for their first national team appearance.
Diego Rubio is looking for his first international goal, and Ben Brereton Diaz, the leading goalscorer for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship (12), has not scored for Chile since January 2022. He currently has 33 goals, one fewer than former Real Madrid striker Ivan Zamorano.
Due to a red card suspension, Corinthians player Fabian Balbuena did not play in Paraguay’s 2-0 loss to Colombia.
Lineup
Chile
- Bravo
- Medel, Maripan, Kuscevic
- Valdes, Vidal, Nunez, Pavez
- Meneses
- Sanchez, Diaz
Paraguay
- Silva
- Piris, Balbuena, Gomez, Riveros
- Cubas
- Sanchez, Ojeda, Melgarejo
- Enciso, Avalos
Betting Tips
Result: Goals by Chile: Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals: Three of their last four meetings have resulted in goals less than 2.5.
To score by both teams: No, as neither team has scored in their last five games.
Where to watch
The live telecast of the international friendly match will not be available in India