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Uruguay vs Paraguay: Struggling hosts look to avoid another slip-up in World Cup qualifier on June 3

June 2, 2021 By Michelle Bonsu

Topics: TV Schedules, Uruguay, Paraguay, 2022 World Cup Qualifiers

Uruguay will hope their strong historical record against Paraguay will give them a boost as they aim to shake off their slump in their fifth World Cup qualifying match on Thursday, June 3rd.

Preview: Uruguay vs Paraguay

On Thursday evening, Uruguay will take on Paraguay for what will be both sides' fifth game for qualification for the 2022 World Cup. As things stand, La Celeste come into this contest in shaky form. Oscar Tabarez's troops have won just four of their last nine matches across all comps, and have alternated between a win and a loss from their first four qualifying matches. Their most recent game in this series saw them lose 2-0 to Brazil, during which veteran striker Edinson Cavani was given his marching orders, and as things stand, Uruguay presently sit in fifth spot.

That means that should qualification end today, La Celeste would have to secure a spot at the upcoming tournament via a play-off. However, what they do have going for them, perhaps, is their strong historical record against Paraguay - they're unbeaten against their upcoming foes in their last seven meetings. Tabarez will be hoping to lead his squad to their fourth straight World Cup, and so a win here would set them on the right path, but they will be taking on an opponent who have been in a very rich vein of form as of late.

Indeed, Paraguay come into this contest unbeaten in their last seven matches across all comps. Although Paraguay failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, La Albirroja are in fourth spot in the table, thanks to one win and three draws. That includes holding regional giants Argentina to a one-all stalemate, and along with them and Brazil, Eduardo Berizzo's men are just one of three unbeaten teams in CONMEBOL.

Still, they have a long way to go, and draws won't get them to the 2022 World Cup. The last time they beat Uruguay was nearly 14 years ago - back in October 2007 - but if they can take advantage of their hosts' shaky form, it will certainly do wonders to help them consolidate their grip on a top four berth at this halfway point through qualification.

Team news: Uruguay vs Paraguay

Uruguay: Edinson Cavani is suspended for this fixture following his sending off during his team's 2-0 loss to Brazil. As such, recent La Liga winner Luis Suarez will insteaed be partnered with another option, possibly Cruz Azul's Jonathan Rodriguez.

Paraguay: No notable injuries or suspensions for Paraguay heading into this contest.