Argentina vs Chile & Paraguay vs Bolivia Odds and Picks – Copa America Matchday 1

• The 2021 Copa America is finally here and we have two intriguing clashes in store on Monday
• Argentina face Chile, while Paraguay and Bolivia lock horns
• Get the odds, preview, and pick for both of these fixtures below

While Euro 2020 is surely taking center stage across international football right now, Copa America will also be one of the most exciting competitions to watch across the next month.

10 South American countries will battle it out for the ultimate prize, with the Brazilians entering as a favorite to lift the prestigious trophy. They’ve also become the emergency hosts for the tournament after Argentina and Colombia were against the idea of having it in their respective countries following last year’s postponement.

For Monday’s action, we’ll see Lionel Messi’s Argentina clash with Chile, while Paraguay takes on Bolivia. Read on to find the odds and previews.

Argentina vs Chile Copa America Odds

All odds as of June 13th at DraftKings

Argentina vs Chile Prediction

The Argentinians face a familiar foe in Chile on Monday who they recently tied 1-1 just over a week ago in World Cup Qualifying. The end product really lacked for Lionel Scaloni’s side, with Messi’s first-half penalty the lone goal despite have seven shots on target.

Coming into Copa America, Argentina hasn’t been the most convincing, either. La Albiceleste has drawn three of their last four games, with a lone win coming against a relatively weak Peru outfit last autumn. Last Tuesday, they took an early 2-0 lead against Colombia, only to allow them to equalize in the dying seconds of the second half in WCQ to settle for the lone point.

The Chileans have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the tournament, with Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez suffering a foot injury that will keep him out for the group stage at the very least. That leaves a glaring hole in the final third, with Eduardo Vargas expected to step up and make up for the loss.

OFFICIAL: Chile have released their squad for the 2021 Copa America. 🇨🇱 pic.twitter.com/xZDnfHZ4o8

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 10, 2021

Chile has been in respectable form in their last five games, going 2-2-1. Tuesday was a rather disappointing result for Martin Lasarte’s squad though, securing just a point in a 1-1 draw with Bolivia. They were very dominant on the ball with 78% possession and a total of 29 shots with nine were on target. Finishing has been an issue and it won’t get much easier without Sanchez.

The Argentinians may not be playing that well currently, but the quality in this side is hard to look past and they’ve lost just once in four of their last five meetings with the Chileans. There are also no notable injuries within the team, while Chile is missing arguably their most clinical attacker. Take the Sky Blues.

Pick: Argentina (-157)

Paraguay vs Bolivia Copa America Odds

Paraguay vs Bolivia Prediction

Paraguay and Bolivia meet in what could prove to be a crucial fixture for both sides. With Argentina and Uruguay the clear favorites in Group B, the last two qualification spots in the knockout stages will strictly come down to a fight between the Paraguayans, the Bolivians, and Chile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXcgYX6Um7k

Eduardo Berrizzo’s men aren’t in the best of shape right now, though. They come into this clash on a four-game winless run, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to the current holders of the competition, Brazil. However, not all is lost. Paraguay may have struggled to collect a win in recent memory, but draws with Argentina and Uruguay over the last number of months will be seen as a positive.

Their bid for a spot in next year’s World Cup in Qatar isn’t done by any means either, with Paraguay sitting in sixth spot in the group. But, their attention will be strictly on progressing in Copa America for the time being.

Bolivia has been hit with a small COVID-19 outbreak ahead of the tournament, with three players and a coach testing positive for the virus. The Bolivians success on this stage has been very limited, having advanced to the knockout stages just once since 2000.

OFFICIAL: Paraguay have released their squad for the 2021 Copa America. 🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/DKhJJkRvoq

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) June 11, 2021

As for their current form, Cesar Farias’ side pulled out a 1-1 draw with Chile earlier in the week despite being completely dominated. Frontman Marcelo Moreno equalized for his side late in the second period from the spot. Prior, Bolivia secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Venezuela.

While the last clash ended in a draw between these two sides, Paraguay possesses a tad more quality throughout. Bolivia has a real threat in Moreno, but the Paraguayans will come out victorious here by a slim margin, with Newcastle standout Miguel Almiron playing a key part.

Pick: Paraguay to Win by 1 (+245), Miguel Almiron to Score (+225)