Verdict: Brazil to score over 2.5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 9/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
One of the most popular – and historial – CONMEBOL rivalries will live another chapter this Friday, as Brazil and Uruguay will meet at the Emirates Stadium in London, England. La Selecao have a very good record playing in this venue, but Uruguay will try to pull the upset in a neutral venue. Kick-off is scheduled for Friday at 20:00 BST.
Brazil
Brazil’s campaign during the 2018 FIFA World Cup was certainly a disappointing one, as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals due to a loss against Belgium. However, that shouldn’t take anything away from Tite’s impressive stint with the Brazilian national team. The former Sao Paulo head coach has returned La Canarinha to the top place they have always held in the CONMEBOL region, and the recent results back them up since they have won their past four friendly matches since the end of Russia 2018 without conceding a single goal and scoring 10 times. Led by established stars such as Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Willian and others, Brazil have no shortage of talent at their disposal. And they also have new names such as Richarlison and Arthur getting more and more minutes in the squad. Can they clinch another positive result on their preparations for the 2019 Copa America?
Team News
There are a few injury concerns for Brazil ahead of this match. Marcelo, Casemiro and Philippe Coutinho have all withdrawn due to injury.
Among the notable newcomers, goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão and midfielder Allan could debut with the NT.
Uruguay
Similar to Brazil, Uruguay were also eliminated in the 2o18 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals since they lost 2-0 against France. But Los Charruas haven’t had very good results since that defeat – they won against Mexico, but lost the past two outings against Republic of Ireland and Japan. Playing against Brazil should be an entirely different thing, and the neutral atmosphere could end up being beneficial since most of the Uruguay star players feature in Europe, such as the attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Oscar Tabarez’s men might be a bit shorthanded entering this game due to some absentees – more on that below – but Uruguay are known for being a complicated them regardless of the circunstances against them. Can Uruguay pull another upset against Brazil, just like they did in the World Cup Finals in 1950?
Team News
Cavani and Suarez headline Uruguay’s impressive squad. However, there are several absentees due to injury since Fernando Muslera, Diego Godin, Sebastian Coates and Marcelo Saracchi won’t play.
Among the newcomers, we can find three defenders who are yet to win a single cap with La Celeste. These are Erick Cabaco, Bruno Mendez and Mathias Suarez.
Key Factors to Consider
- Brazil have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four friendly matches. They have scored 10 goals and conceded none over that span.
- On the other hand, Uruguay have conceded in each of their last five matches across all competitions. They have allowed 2+ goals in three of those five.
- The recent head-to-head record between these two sides reads seven wins for Brazil, three draws, and one win for Uruguay.
- Brazil have scored at least two goals in three of their last four friendly matches.
- Brazil are currently riding a nine-game undefeated run (W6, D3) against Uruguay.
Conclusion
Brazil have avareged 2.5 goals per game in their last four friendly matches. Expect them to score that sum once again, since they will go up against a depleted Uruguayan defence missing some key players such as Muslera and Godin.
Verdict: Brazil to score over 2.5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 9/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
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