Colombia vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups & Team News

Colombia got their World Cup off to a flying start with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, while DR Congo got a surprise point against Portugal in Group K. 

It means Colombia can book their place in the knockouts with a win against DR Congo, and below you can find the latest Colombia vs DR Congo Team News and predicted lineups.

Colombia vs DR Congo Odds

Colombia

Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo played a 4-3-3 in that win over Uzbekistan, with Jhon Arias playing centrally and James Rodriguez in free right wing role. The captain may revert to a more familiar number 10 role for this one in a 4-2-3-1, as he looks to provide the supply line for striker Luis Suarez.

The number nine scored 28 league goals for Sporting this term but failed to bag against Uzbekistan and was slightly disappointing. He’ll get another chance to shine, while Luis Diaz will provide the width on the left-hand side.

Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz scored from right-back and will feature alongside Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucimi and Johan Mojica. Jaminton Campaz will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench despite his late goal in the opener while Juan Hernandez is another exciting attacking option.

DR Congo

DR Congo went with a back five against Portugal, and against Colombia, I expect more of the same. The only doubt surrounds Watford’s Edo Kayembe, who came off with an injury in that second half.

It is hoped he will be fit to recover for this one, which would allow Sebastien Desabre to name an unchanged team. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu put a shif in up front, with Kayembe joined by Samuel Moutoussamy and Gustavo Puerta in midfield. 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaka are two vastly experienced wing-backs, with Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Steve Kapuadi set to feature at centre-back. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau is going to have a busy day in goal, but will hope to earn his side another point. 

Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki is in line to replace Kayembe in midfield if he is not fit.

Key Player: Luis Suarez (Colombia)

I’ve picked Luis Diaz for good reason for the last couple of Colombia previews, but this time I’m turning my attention to their striker. Sporting’s Suarez has to begin to produce in front of goal if Colombia are to go deep into this World Cup.

Against Uzbekistan, he played 80 minutes without registering a single shot on goal, and after 28 league goals this season, he has to do better. I’m looking at him to produce from the number nine role, rather than relying on his talented teammates.

Key Player: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)

Luis Diaz is Colombia’s star man in truth, so Wan-Bissaka will have his hands full at right wing-back. He put in a couple of wonderful tackles against Portugal, and made the most defensive contributions in that game (10), so I think he can stand out again here. 

If he wins the battle with Diaz, DR Congo have a chance of getting something. 

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com