Copa America Group B: Uruguay v Jamaica, Argentina v Paraguay
Group B’s opening two games of the 2015 Copa America kick off on the same evening, as tournament favourites Argentina (7/4) face last year’s runners-up Paraguay (40/1) and title holders Uruguay (14/1) take on invited nation Jamaica (100/1).
Here is Coral’s preview of both fixtures…
Uruguay v Jamaica
The first clash of the evening (8pm UK time) is perhaps one of the most one-sided in the tournament on paper, even with Uruguay star Luis Suarez suspended for the tournament due to his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
La Celeste (odds-on 2/7 favourites for victory in this match) will be able to call upon the likes of Edinson Cavani (5/2 to net first), Diego Godin and Cristian Rodriguez (5/1 in the anytime market).
Cavani is the subject of a Coral enhanced matchday special too, with odds of 4/1 for the PSG forward to score two or more. Uruguay are also 9/4 to win the match by three or more goals. Note that both those bets have a maximum stake of £20.
Jamaica (8/1 to win), meanwhile, are without any global stars, particularly in attack, although will be hoping that former Derby County wonderkid Giles Barnes can at least inspire them to a draw (9/2).
Barnes is now 26 and playing for MLS outfit Houston Dynamo, but is prolific in front of net for an attacker. You can back him at a tempting 5/1 to score anytime.
Argentina v Paraguay
Following shortly after the above fixture, World Cup runners-up Argentina (odds-on 1/4 favourites) will be hoping to hit the ground running against Paraguay (9/1).
The last time these two teams met was just under two years ago, when the former ran out 5-2 winners, and you can back them in a matchday special at 4/1 to net four or more again (max stake £20).
La Albiceleste boast perhaps the best attacking line-up in world football, with the likes of Lionel Messi (4/7 to score anytime), Sergio Aguero (8/13), Carlos Tevez (8/11), Gonzalo Higuain (4/5) and Angel Di Maria (2/1) at their disposal.
Messi and Aguero are involved in a matchday special too, with enticing odds of 9/4 for both of them to net anytime. Again, there is a maximum stake of £20.
For Paraguay, veteran strikers Roque Santa Cruz, despite now being 33 and 31 years of age respectably, are still their side’s main threats, and have both scored a sole goal apiece in 1-0 wins over Argentina in the past. The former is 11/4 in the anytime market.
Betting tip – Messi and Aguero score anytime @ 9/4 (max stake £20)
