Prop bet #1: In Rodriguez we trust
James Rodriguez’s rollercoaster career has hit another peak at this tournament, with the 32-year-old turning back the clock with some vintage performances — and the Colombian captain is set to be a focal point in this semifinal.
With his ability to play the perfect through ball, and his involvement at free kicks and corners, Rodriguez has been one of the Copa’s playmaking kings, tallying five assists through four games. At these odds, his anytime assist prop is a tasty option.
Rodriguez set up two goals in Los Cafeteros’ 5-0 quarterfinal victory against Panama, and he has a license to roam from the right wing with fullback Daniel Muñoz so good at providing overlapping width.
Watching Rodriguez over the past few weeks, it’s hard to fathom why his club career has stalled so dramatically at São Paolo. But there could be a growing list of suitors after his recent masterclasses.
Of course, it also helps that Rodriguez has some talented finishers at the end of his passes. Jhon Cordoba and Luis Diaz both scored in the quarterfinal, and Colombia’s speed in transition could hurt an Uruguay backline that’s only allowed one goal in this tournament.
If the Colombians are going to reach the Copa America final for the first time since 2001, Rodriguez has to be the main man — and I’m wagering on him to create the all-important chances tonight.
James Rodriguez prop: Anytime assist (+335 at Betano)
Prop bet #2: Nunez’s night
Even if your opinion on Darwin Nuñez is largely based on his erratic Liverpool form, you probably know by now that he’s a different animal in an Uruguayan jersey.
That was evident again during this Copa America group stage, with Nuñez finding the net in Uruguay’s first two games, and I’m picking the polarizing striker to find the net again on this semifinal stage.
Sure, he’s coming off a quieter night against Brazil, but there’s every reason to expect a more aggressive game plan from Marcelo Bielsa after settling for just 40% of the possession in the last round.
Though it’s going to be a physical battle for Nuñez against Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Carlos Cuesta, he should have decent service from the in-form Maximiliano Araujo on the left wing and Federico Valverde in a deeper midfield role.
With Luis Suarez looking on from the bench, Nuñez has caught the eye as Uruguay’s central striker of the future. Don’t be surprised when he grabs the headlines tonight.
Darwin Nunez prop: Anytime goal (+210 at Betano)
Prop bet #3: Lerma lets loose
There’s going to be plenty of tough tackling in this showdown, and referee Cesar Ramos could be in for a busy night.
I’m highlighting Jefferson Lerma as one of the likeliest card candidates. Lerma was suspended for Colombia’s quarterfinal win after bookings against Paraguay and Brazil, but he’s set to return to the starting lineup tonight.
He comes back with a blank slate for what should be a fierce midfield battleground. Part of his job will be to stop the Uruguay playmakers settling into the game, and his matchup against Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte could be decisive.
The potential for yellow cards also stems from the high tempo preferred by both coaches. A more open game increases the risk of breakaways and desperate challenges, and Lerma is never shy about relying on a tactical foul when the situation calls for it.
Known for his physical style of play, Lerma is a key man in Nestor Lorenzo’s midfield, but I see him walking a disciplinary tightrope in Charlotte.
Jefferson Lerma prop: To get booked – Yes (+205 at Betano)
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Publish date : 2024-07-10 10:52:00
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