Republic of Ireland v Paraguay
Football : International : World Cup Build-up
Tuesday, 25th May 2010 - Kickoff 19:45

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Republic of Ireland host Paraguay on Tuesday evening intent on preparations for their own Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

But Ireland will have their hands full against a Paraguay side keen to head to the World Cup in South Africa next month full of confidence.

Paraguay seem to have chosen Ireland as a pre-tournament opponent mainly to get to grips with physical opposition, as the South American side will face both Slovakia and New Zealand in Group play.

Ireland (FIFA Rank 43)

Giovanni Trapattoni's side were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in March at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and will be hoping to return to winning ways.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni is without a number of experienced personnel for the contest at the RDS Arena in Dublin due to injury, with Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Aiden McGeady, Kevin Kilbane and James McCarthy all out.

However, Trapattoni still has plenty of experience to call on and has named a strong starting XI for the visit of Paraguay.

Robbie Keane will lead the line alongside Kevin Doyle, who has recovered from illness to take his place in the side.

25-year-old Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood will win his fourth cap with regular No.1 Given (shoulder) out. Stephen Kelly and John O'Shea are Ireland's starting full-backs with Paul McShane and Sean St Ledger lining up in front of Westwood.

Damien Duff, Keith Andrews, Glen Whelan and Liam Lawrence will make up Trapattoni's four-man midfield.

Paul Green, Shane Long, Keith Fahey and Greg Cunningham could get chances to impress off the bench.

Paraguay (FIFA Rank 30)

Paraguay have been busy in the build-up to the World Cup playing three games in defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-1, drawing 1-1 at home with South Africa and defeating North Korea 1-0 in Switzerland through a Roque Santa Cruz penalty.

Manchester City striker Santa Cruz is sure to lead the line against Ireland, while head coach Gerardo Martino could also include German-based Nelson Valdez and Benfica's Oscar Cardozo.

Argentina-born Lucas Barrios will be hoping to win his first cap for his adopted country after recently becoming a naturalised citizen due to his Paraguayan mother.

Valladolid keeper Justo Villar could start in goal while Jonathan Santana of Wolfsburg and Edgar Barreto of Atalanta could form the heart of Paraguay's midfield.

Paraguay qualified for the World Cup with an impressive record in South American qualifying, including home wins against Argentina and Brazil, and will fancy their chances of reaching the last 16 in a group with Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand.

However, Paraguay's 3-3-3 record away from home in that qualifiying series, shows that the South American side are still not the best of travellers.

The Betting Verdict :

Based on competitive results over the last 12 months, I have Ireland as roughly half a goal better than Paraguay - with the difference between the two sides mainly due to the home advantage.

It's true that Ireland have quite a few significant injuries, but I feel that this factor might be overcome by the fact that Ireland are probably more motivated to get a result in this match.

As such, I'm tempted to take Ireland to win as the price of 2.50+ for the win seems big for a side that often raises it's game.

But a scan over Ireland's competitive home results in the last 3-4 seasons shows SEVEN draws from 13 games, with 0-0 and 1-1 scorelines commonplace.

And Paraguay do NOT want to be racking up losses this close to the World Cup, as it damages confidence, so a draw may suit everyone.

The Pick :

Ireland 1-1 Paraguay

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Ireland 45% - Draw 35% - Paraguay 20%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll take a wee punt on the DRAW.