Colombia vs Paraguay predictions: Colombia can continue excellent run

Henry Hardwicke

Spotlight

James Rodriguez remains a key man for Colombia

- Colombia have won eight matches on the bounce
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 23 matches
- Recommended bet: Colombia -1 handicap

In-form Colombia head to the USA in pursuit of the Copa America trophy on the back of an impressive 23-match unbeaten run.

Los Cafeteros take on Paraguay in Group D first and warmed up for their trophy push with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia and a 5-1 hammering of the USA.

Paraguay arrive in Houston in contrasting form, with just two wins in their last nine matches. Los Guaranies were thumped 3-0 by Chile earlier this month, although they did win their final warm-up game against Panama 1-0 last week.

Team news

James Rodriguez and Luiz Diaz are set to start for Colombia, with the former, who plays for Brazilian side Sao Paulo, winning his 100th cap last time out against Bolivia, while Liverpool winger Diaz was among the scorers in that 3-0 win.

Luis Diaz will hope to star at the Copa America for Colombia

For Paraguay, Newcastle star Miguel Almiron and Brighton's Julio Enciso are among the familiar names likely to get the call for this group opener.

The stats

Colombia's impressive eight-match winning streak coming into the tournament includes victories over Brazil, Spain and Mexico.

The latest Colombia vs Paraguay odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Colombia have scored 15 goals in their last five matches, which includes a 5-1 hammering of hosts USA in Maryland on June 8.

Paraguay have won only two of their last nine games and have scored just two goals in that poor run.

There have been 49 meetings between the two sides, with Colombia winning 23 times, Paraguay have 18 victories and there have been eight draws.

Prediction

Colombia get their Copa America campaign under way with a very winnable contest against Paraguay in Group D and Los Cafeteros' recent form suggests they should be considered title contenders in the USA.

Paraguay will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage, but with Brazil and Costa Rica also housed in the section things look tricky for Los Guaranies.

Colombia's long unbeaten run includes impressive victories over Copa America rivals Brazil and European giants Spain, while they beat Monday's opponents Paraguay 1-0 the last time they met in November.

Nestor Lorenzo's side prepared for their Copa tilt with a 3-0 hammering of Bolivia and 5-1 thrashing of a good USA side in Maryland and it is difficult to see Paraguay causing Colombia too many problems in Texas.

Rodriguez remains a capable performer for Colombia, while Liverpool's Diaz is the star of the show and there is further quality in midfield with the likes of Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias.

Paraguay at least ended a run of four games without a win or a goal by edging to a 1-0 victory over Panama last week but all the signs are that Daniel Garnero's side will be in for a very difficult game in Houston.

Back Colombia -1 handicap at 9/5 with LiveScore Bet.