Both Paraguay and Australia are looking to secure their place in the round of 32 of the World Cup when they face off in their final Group B clash.
Both sides are on three points, with just a point needed for Australia to stay second and secure automatic progression, while their South American opponents need a victory to guarantee their place.
However, a point is also likely to end up being enough for Paraguay as it would take them to four points, which is likely to see them finish as one of the best third-placed sides. Defeat for either would see them face an anxious wait to see if they qualify.
Catch up with all the team news right here on 101GreatGoals and read our in-depth preview for the encounter at the San Francisco Bay Arena here.
Table of Contents
Paraguay team news
Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has made three changes to the starting XI that faced Türkiye – Alexandro Maidana, Gustavo Velázquez and Gabriel Ávalos come in. Miguel Almirón is suspended, Júnior Alonso and Isidro Pitta drop out.
Paraguay starting XI: Orlando Gill, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Gómez, Gustavo Velázquez, Alexandro Maidana, Juan José Cáceres, Julio Enciso, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Diego Gómez, Gabriel Ávalos
Australia team news
Australia have really shaken things up. Manager Tony Popovic has made six changes to the starting XI that faced United States – Aziz Behich, Lucas Herrington, Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato come in today. Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano are injured, Cameron Burgess, Paul Okon-Engstler, Mohamed Touré and Nishan Velupillay drop out.
Australia starting XI: Patrick Beach, Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos, Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Aziz Behich, Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda
Where to watch Paraguay v Australia: TV and online streams
Paraguay v Australia kicks off at 3am on Friday morning in the UK. You can watch it on ITV4 and stream via ITVX.
Click HERE for a full World Cup TV guide
Stats for Paraguay v Australia
- Paraguay are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010
- Australia have not lost any of their three previous meetings
- Paraguay have alternated between wins and defeats in their last five games. Their last result was a win.
- Australia have won one of their last four games
Prediction for Paraguay v Australia
Although neither side will admit it publicly, a draw is the best outcome here. Expect a risk-free encounter in San Francisco.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-0 Australia
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