Colombia vs Paraguay Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The South America World Cup qualifiers are in full swing this week expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Colombia vs Paraguay Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

After the disappointment of losing to Brazil in the final seconds last week, Colombia will be looking to bounce back in Barranquilla with another home victory. Paraguay, on the other hand, arrive with a spring in their step after their win over Chile saw them take a giant step towards the 2026 World Cup.

However, can Paraguay cope in the sweltering hot conditions? Nathan has his say on the encounter.

Colombia vs Paraguay Prediction

Peru, World Cup Qualifiers, Friday, March 21st, 01:30 (UK)

Both of these nations are on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Occupying 5th and 6th respectively, it would take something incredibly miraculous for either to drop out of their current positions.

Paraguay arrive in better form. Having made the decision to change manager after a poor Copa America campaign, Gustavo Alfaro has come in and worked wonders. His team are unbeaten in his seven matches, recording victories over Argentina and Brazil on home soil.

Equally impressive within their own right, Paraguay have also picked up precious points on their travels against Paraguay, Ecuador and Bolivia. Their goals in El Alto were the first they had scored on the road in six attempts.

Colombia head into this having lost four of their last five matches. After their 26-match unbeaten run, they’ve entered an inevitable dip in form, but performances haven’t been quite as bad as the results suggest.

Defeat in El Alto can easily be dismissed, while defeats against Uruguay and Brazil in the 101st and 99th minutes were both incredibly cruel. Nestor Lorenzo’s side need to bounce back, and they will, as long as they aren’t too deflated after that defeat against Brazil last week.

At home, they’ve won 13 of their 20 points, taking full advantage of their location. Barranquilla is an incredibly intimidating place to play football. Not only because of the sheer number of fans, but also the extremely warm climate. Paraguay managed to get a point away to Ecuador in Quito, but they struggled – and in Colombia they may not be as fortunate.

Colombia have also beaten Argentina and Brazil at home during these qualifiers, and they have a good record against Paraguay in front of their fans. In fact, you have to go back to 2017 the last time Paraguay beat Colombia in any competition.

Since that victory – where both goals came in the dying minutes against a poor Colombian side – Paraguay have only scored once in their following four meetings. However, a Julio Enciso strike wasn’t good enough as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at last year’s Copa America.

Paraguay’s inability to score on the road has cost them – and Colombia can use that to their advantage. There was lots to like about their performance last week against Brazil, and if they can rally, they can get back to winning ways.

Their current Asian Handicap price at 1.70 for -0.75 looks acceptable, as a win by one will secure at least half a payout. If they find their rhythm, and more luck, there’s no reason why they can’t put two past Paraguay once more.

• Colombia vs Paraguay Prediction: Colombia -0.75 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds:1.70
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Colombia vs Paraguay Prediction odds via bet365 as at 18:00, March 17th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Colombia vs Paraguay Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

A huge boost for the hosts will be the return of forward Jhon Duran. The Al Nassr striker missed out on the trip to Brazil due to his suspension, but is likely to partner Luis Diaz up front with James Rodriguez tucked in behind in the no.10 role.

Paraguay will also be boosted with the return of Diego Gomez. The Brighton midfielder was suspended for the clash against Chile, but the 21-year-old is set to come straight back into the starting XI. Julio Enciso was by far Paraguay’s best player in that match, and he will be hoping to add to his tally after scoring the late equaliser against Bolivia last time out on the road.

Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Mojica, Lucumi, Sanchez, Munoz, Arias, Lerma, Rios, Rodriguez, Diaz, Duran

Paraguay possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Alonso, Alderete, Balbuena, Caceres, Gomez, Bobadilla, Cubas, Almiron, Enciso, Sanabria

Safer Gambling

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.