Paraguay v Venezuela Betting: Hosts to do their part in entertaining match

Paraguay’s slim hopes of qualifying for the World Cup come down to their vital clash against bottom nation Venezuela at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

The hosts need three points to put themselves in contention for at least the intercontinental play-off place, but even a win may not be enough as they will be relying on results around them.

The good news is that they are clear favourites at 4/11 (1.36) with bet365 – who are live-streaming the match for UK-based customers - whilst a draw is 4/1 (5.0) and an upset for the visitors is priced at 15/2 (8.50).

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A stalemate would effectively eliminate La Albirroja unless both Peru and Argentina lose heavily in their respective matches, but the hosts will go into this match with confidence having won 17 of the 25 matches against Venezuela.

Paraguay’s qualifying campaign has had its ups and downs, as evidenced by their seven wins and seven losses, and the fact they have found the net in six of their eight home matches but also conceded in seven of those.

Venezuela, meanwhile, have had a torrid couple of years in CONMEBOL; the Vinotinto have lost six of their eight away games in this qualification process and drawn the other two. In fact, they have not won a road game in the South American section of qualifying in over five years.

Despite generally failing to accrue points away from home, Rafael Dudamel’s men have found the net in five of their last eight such games whilst also conceding in each one and shipping 21 goals in total.

Backing goals makes sense and while over 2.5 goals is not long enough odds at 13/20 (1.65) for most to consider, both teams to score is available at a tasty 19/20 (1.95); however, backing Paraguay to win the match but also concede is quoted at a generous 21/10 (3.10) and is a bet that would have paid out in six of their seven wins this campaign.