Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction: Los Cafeteros to enjoy another comfortable victory

Colombia are preparing for their return to the FIFA World Cup finals after an eight-year absence. Los Cafeteros have two friendlies before their North American adventure, with the first coming against Costa Rica in Sao Paolo on Tuesday (12am BST/ 8pm local Monday).

They were the third-best South American side in qualifying and they will look to give themselves a boost before the tournament begins. Below you will find my Colombia vs Costa Rica predictions, aided by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Veteran shot-stopper David Ospina will be hoping for a recall after he didn't feature in either of March's defeats against Croatia and France.

Luis Suarez is expected to lead the line after bagging 36 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions for Sporting CP this season. James Rodriguez, the belle of the ball at the 2014 World Cup, should provide the front man with support.

Football Odds

Costa Rica boss Miguel Herrera could make a whole host of changes to his side following their 5-0 humiliation against Iran back in March.

The one player you'd most likely expect to keep their place is goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira because of the amount of experience he has in comparison to his peers in the squad.

Colombia vs Costa Rica Odds

Having won nine of the past 10 meetings, it's no surprise to see Colombia branded as the 1/7 favourites by Betfred.

The draw is marketed at 11/2 and Costa Rica have seen two of their past three outings finish level.

Los Ticos are a 14/1 bet to come away with the victory.

Both teams have scored in two of the previous three meetings, with BTTS - Yes on offer here at 6/4.

To Win To Nil - Colombia @ 8/13

Colombia have dominated this fixture for years by winning nine of the last 10. They should be smelling blood here given what happened to Costa Rica against Iran just a few months ago.

La Tricolor will want to get a good run out here in preparation for the World Cup and this game gives them an opportunity to go out and express themselves. Head Coach Nestor Lorenzo may not want them to do this too much, however, in a bid to prevent any injuries right before the tournament.

With the attacking options Colombia have, I believe they will win this match rather comfortably. I have them to win to nil, which has been the outcome in five of the past 10 encounters with Costa Rica.

Price Boost - Luis Diaz To Score First @ 11/4 3/1

Colombia winger Luis Diaz has rediscovered his mojo this season at Bayern Munich. His debut campaign has gone swimmingly, with the attacker contributing 26 goals and 23 assists across 51 appearances in all competitions.

Diaz needed that after a couple of years of stagnation at Liverpool. He now looks back to his confident self, which is just what Colombia need to give them their best chance of a fruitful adventure at the World Cup.

Given the defensive issues Costa Rica have been having lately, I'm covering this Price Boost for Diaz to score the opening goal of the game.

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