2019 Copa America

The Copa America begins in just over 24 hours with host nation and competition favourites Brazil taking on Bolivia at 01:30am Irish time. Eir Sport/Premier Sports have the official rights to show all 26 matches live in Ireland and the UK.

Japan and Qatar have accepted invitations to participate, while there's no representatives from CONCACAF this time. It will also be the last time the tournament is held in an odd year as from 2020 it will be coordinated just like the Euros.

Groups:

Group A: Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru.

Group B: Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, Qatar.

Group C: Uruguay, Ecuador, Japan, Chile.


The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed teams.

Brazil (evens) were dealt a blow losing Neymar to injury in a pre-tournament friendly but they remain the favourites according to the bookies; they do look like they have the most well-balanced squad. Argentina (7/2) are the next-best fancied team as Messi looks to win his first major trophy for his national team besides his Olympic Gold medal from '08. Much like the World Cup though questions remain about Argentina's defensive capabilities. Uruguay (6/1) look a decent shout with a solid spine and impressive firepower up top; bookies have them third-favourites. Colombia (17/2) are deemed the fourth-best prospect and while they've tended to rely on Falcao in previous tournaments, now they have Duvan Zapata coming off a lethal season in Serie A with Atalanta and in the form of his life. Could they be the team to beat? Previous winners Chile (14/1) are deemed the 5th best option by the bookies; they look a rather aging outfit at this point.

After that we have the outside bets like Peru (25/1), Paraguay (30/1), Venezuela (40/1) and Ecuador (50/1); as well as the teams considered the whipping boys like Japan (70/1), Qatar (100/1) and Bolivia (100/1). Might one of these teams prove a surprise package? Japan gave a good account of themselves at last year's World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals by beating Colombia along the way; and Qatar surprised many by becoming the Asian Cup champions.

Whatever happens there will plenty of familiar names on show: Messi, Aguero, Firmino, Coutinho, Suarez, Cavani, Zapata, Rondon to name but a few, and there's a very tasty encounter on Saturday evening from 11pm as Argentina take on Colombia.

What team do you reckon will take the crown? I'm thinking a Brazil vs Uruguay final and would fancy the hosts to just about edge it.