Preview: Colombia vs. Paraguay - prediction, team news, lineups

This fixture is the final friendly for both countries before the year comes to a close, as neither will be competing at the 2022 World Cup this month.

Match preview

After competing at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Colombia were unable to book their place in Qatar after finishing sixth in CONMEBOL qualifying, just one point behind Peru in the inter-confederation playoff position.

As a result, Los Cafeteros decided to sack manager Reinaldo Rueda after just 15 months in charge, with Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo appointed as his successor in June.

Lorenzo began his reign with successive friendly victories over Guatemala and Mexico in the USA during the September international break, beating the former 4-1 in New York before securing an impressive 3-2 comeback victory over the latter in California.

Colombia were trailing by two goals in the opening half-hour against Mexico, but a second-half brace from substitute Luis Sinisterra and a winner from Wilmar Barrios turned the game on its head to keep Lorenzo's 100% record as Los Cafeteros boss intact.

Colombia, who have won only one of their last four meetings against Paraguay, will be looking to conclude the year on a positive note and extend their winning streak across all competitions to six matches.

Paraguay endured a disappointing CONMEBOL World Cup qualification campaign after winning only three of their 18 matches and scoring just 12 goals in the process, fewer than any other South American nation in the 10-team standings.

Los Guaranies lost six of their final eight qualifiers, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto remains in the hotseat and his side's form has in fact improved slightly as they have since lost only one of their last five internationals.

However, that solitary defeat was at the hands of Peru in a friendly on Thursday, with Alex Valera heading home the only goal of the match to secure a 1-0 victory, before Alexander Succar and Fabian Balbuena were both dismissed following a heated confrontation in the closing stages.

Paraguay kept three successive clean sheets before losing out to Peru, and they will now be keen to bounce back with a win on Sunday. However, Los Guaranies have won only one of their last nine meetings with Colombia - a 2-1 away victory in October 2017.

Colombia form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

W

W

Paraguay form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

D

L

Team News

Colombia will be without key wingers Sinisterra and Liverpool's Luis Diaz as they continue to recover from respective foot and knee injuries.

Olympiacos playmaker James Rodriguez is expected to start in the number 10 role behind experienced leader Radamel Falcao.

Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma cold join Barrios in centre-midfield, while a back four of Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta and Frank Fabra is expected to protect David Ospina in goal.

As for Paraguay, centre-back Balbuena will serve a one-match ban following his red card on Thursday, with Bruno Valdez the most likely candidate to take his place in the first XI.

After Torino's Antonio Sanabria was left out of the senior squad, Brighton & Hove Albion teenager Julio Enciso will be hoping to keep his place up front.

Newcastle United's star Miguel Almiron, who is closing in on his 50th international appearance, is expected to operate on the right flank, while Jesus Medina is set to play on the opposite wing.

Colombia possible starting lineup:

Ospina; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Fabra; Lerma, Barrios; Quintero, Rodriguez, Duran; Falcao

Paraguay possible starting lineup:

Silva; Ramirez, Gomez, Valdes, Riveros; Villasanti, Ortiz; Almiron, Melgarejo, Medina; Enciso

We say: Colombia 2-0 Paraguay

Colombia have made a bright start under the tutelage of Lorenzo and they will fancy their chances of success against a goal-shy Paraguay outfit.

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