Prediction: Chile vs Uruguay

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Matches between Chile and Uruguay have become some sort of rivalry ever since their 2015 Copa America quarterfinals match. Now, these two sides will meet once again in the continental competition as La Roja and La Celeste will compete to earn the first spot of Group C. This thrilling encounter between two CONMEBOL heavyweights will happen at Maracana, on Tuesday at midnight UK time.

Chile

Chile have been one of the biggest surprises in the 2019 Copa America so far. Despite being the reigning champions, there was a lot of controversy surrounding La Roja prior to the tournament and their manager, Reinaldo Rueda, was under pressure and on the hot seat. However, those things seemed to be in the rear view following La Roja’s first two matches in the tournament. Chile began their campaign with a solid 4-0 win over Ecuador, and then they delivered a big 2-1 win over Ecuador in a complicated match. With names such as Alexis Sanchez, Charles Aranguiz and Eduardo Vargas thriving in the first two games, Chile have a decent shot to end at the top of the group and only depend on themselves to do so. A draw would be enough, although a win could crown them as one of the best sides in the group stage. Undoubtedly, Chile are hitting top gear right when they needed it the most.

Team News

Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal are doubtful due to minor injury issues. The Manchester United winger is the more complicated of the two since he’s dealing with an ankle sprain.

Plus, manager Reinaldo Rueda is considering some rotation considering the side already clinched a spot in the next stage of the competition.

Uruguay

Uruguay, however, are not exactly an “easy” opponent for Chile. The H2H record between both sides in the last 12 matches has been quite even (W4, D4, L4), but Uruguay are also riding a five-game undefeated streak across all competitions. La Celeste have been struggling with injuries so far in the tournament and might have up to three players sidelined (more below on the team news’ section), but they remain undefeated on Brazilian soil thanks to a 4-0 win over Ecuador and a gritty 2-2 draw against Japan the last time. Uruguay’s main reason to be hopeful is their firepower, since both Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez have been playing at a high level so far in the tournament. But can they re-group after the draw against Japan to defeat a side that already defeated them in the 2015 Copa America?

Team News

Diego Laxalt has been ruled out of this match after suffering a leg injury in the previous match against Japan. Matias Vecino is also out, but the central midfielder will miss the remainder of the tournament with an injury.

To make things even more complicated, Nahitan Nandez is doubtful. Giorgian De Arrascaeta could take his place in midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chile have the edge when it comes to the recent H2H record. They’ve gone W3, L2 in the last five meetings against Los Charruas.
• Three of the last four matches between these two sides have also ended with over 2.5 goals scored.
• The last two have ended with one win each, but those wins have each come via a two-goal margin.
• Over their last seven meetings in all competitions, both sides have the exact same form: W4, D1, L2.
• To make things even tighter, the last 12 H2H matches have seen four wins for each side and four draws.

Conclusion

Games between these two sides are extremely heated, and both teams have something to play for here. Chile will aim to end first in the Group, but Uruguay must win at all costs if they want to accomplish that same goal as well.

Plus, considering the attacking power on both sides, we could be in for a high-scoring contest. One that will probably feature over 2.5 goals in total.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport