Richie Laryea looks set for a difficult encounter against Bosnia for Canada’s opening World Cup fixture, as he will be directly up against Esmir Bajraktarevic. The 21-year-old currently plays for PSV, and he is a very technical player who often looks to beat his man. Amar Dedic is another right-sided player for Bosnia - the Benfica man looks set for a massive role at the World Cup, and he often looks to get forward and create overlapping runs. 

Laryea is likely to be overloaded on the flank at times, which makes this card price stand out. The full back has picked up two yellow cards from nine appearances in the MLS this term, which is nothing to write home about, but this will be a step up from the opponent he is used to facing. Laryea is the type of player who can be drawn into a cynical challenge to stop the counter, which bodes well for this selection.

Bosnia are expected to deploy a strike partnership at the World Cup, with Ermedin Demirovic partnering the experienced Edin Dzeko in the final third. Demirovic is likely to act as the battering ram, looking to utilise his physicality and create space for Dzeko. The Stuttgart man will be the target from long balls forward, as Bosnia are likely to play quite direct and route one football - Demirovic should have plenty of aerial duels to contest. 

The 28-year-old picked up seven yellow cards in 38 appearances across all competitions for his domestic side this season, but he has usually raised his intensity when playing for Bosnia. Demirovic was shown a yellow card in the play-off semi-final against Wales, and he had an average of 2.19 fouls per 90 during the World Cup qualifiers. In the Nations League just before that, Demirovic averaged 2.78 fouls per 90, and he was booked in three of his five appearances.

Antonee Robinson had a tough domestic season for Fulham, having to deal with persistent injury setbacks, but he looks back to full fitness and is expected to play a big role under Mauricio Pochettino at the World Cup. USA are likely to be very front-footed on home soil here, led by the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, who typically goes with attack-minded tactics. Robinson should be tasked with getting up and down that left flank regularly, although that can sometimes mean he is caught out of position when USA turn the ball over. 

Paraguay are not short of talent in the final third, with Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso and Ramon Sosa. The latter is expected to match up against Robinson on the flank, and he is averaging 1.97 fouls drawn per 90 in the Brazilian Serie A this season. The Palmeiras winger likes to drive at his marker and be aggressive, making this a tough task on paper for Robinson.

Diego Gomez hit double figures for yellow cards this season, accumulating 10 bookings from his 37 appearances across all competitions for Brighton. He showed his versatility under Fabian Hurzeler this campaign, featuring on both wings, but Gomez is primarily a central midfielder, and that is where he is likely to feature for Paraguay. With his national side not short of options going forward, Gomez will shoulder a greater defensive responsibility - he had an average of 1.59 fouls per 90 during their qualifying matches, which translated to two yellows and a red in 13 appearances. 

Gomez is a player who tends to press aggressively, looking to win the ball back high up the pitch. He has a commendable work rate, and he isn’t afraid to fly into challenges. In fact, Gomez also averaged 3.88 tackles per game for Paraguay during their qualifiers, which highlights just how willing he is to duel.