Prediction: Uruguay vs Brazil

Verdict: Brazil

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: William Hill

It’s the clash of the titans at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo where hosts Uruguay welcome bitter rivals Brazil in the crunch clash in the chase for automatic 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying berth.

Uruguay

Having made a decent start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, Uruguay got engaged in a disappointing Copa America showing which saw them drop out in the group stage. Early Copa America elimination threatened to be a morale blow to Oscar Tabarez’s men, who still managed to get back to winning ways and preserve their spot in the race for the automatic World Cup promotion. The Sky-Blues are currently occupying the second place in the South American qualifying group trailing Brazil by four points in first and the forthcoming clash will be a great chance to close the gap behind the group leaders. In order to do so, Uruguay will have to fight inconsistency in their most recent results which saw them succumb to a 3-1 defeat at Chile last time out. La Celeste are facing a huge challenge to their World Cup bid as another set-back would put them in serious troubles. Hopes of beating Brazil would have been much higher if Uruguay didn’t have selection problems which will see them lock horns with the Selecao without two of their key men.

Team News

Barcelona striker and Uruguay key man Luis Suarez is suspended, together with Galatarasay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

On the positive note, Gaston Ramirez is returning to the squad after some rather fine performances of late, whereas the experienced full-back Alvaro Pereira is ruled out through injury.

Brazil

The Selecao appear to have made all the right moves after sacking Dunga, who led Brazil to disappointing lows during his time in charge. Less than a year later, the Brazil national team is once again running in full charge and in recognizable Brazilian style. Tite has been able to transform the team as Brazil got back to winning ways with seven straight victories in all competitions ever since the Copa America elimination in the group stage of the competition. Five consecutive clean sheets come as a huge confirmation of a much-improved defensive exploits for the Brazilian national team, whereas the high-scoring results are there to offer delight to the anticipating fans, who are expecting their team to grab the Russian visa without many problems. The total of 27 points from 12 games offers great reassurance as Tite’s men head to Montevideo high on confidence. Lead by in-form Barcelona and Liverpool stars Neymar and Coutinho, respectively, Brazil are expected to put in yet again great display.

Team News

Manchester City hot-shot Gabriel Jesus is the only unavailable player for the forthcoming fixture as the young Brazilian is struggling with injury.

Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has been replaced by Palmeiras’ Dudu, who is expected to start from the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• Uruguay have won 8 of their last 10 home matches in all competitions
• The Sky-Blues last defeated Brazil at home in 2001
• Brazil lost only one of their last 15 matches on the road
• Selecao managed to keep a clean sheet in last 5 matches across competitions
• There were over 2.5 goals scored in last five matches between the two sides

Conclusion

Uruguay did manage to improve their showings of late, but the Sky-Blues are struggling with consistency and have a rather poor record against Brazil historically speaking. The Selecao are in excellent form, on the other side, and are in a good position to notch their seventh successive victory.

Verdict: Brazil

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: William Hill