Prediction: Uruguay vs Colombia

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who are desperate to widen their advantage in the top-six chase, Uruguay will welcome Colombia to Montevideo in the early hours of Saturday.

Uruguay

Starting with the hosts, while Uruguay might have enjoyed a sensational immediate boost after appointing Marcelo Bielsa last year, the Sky Blues are desperately seeking some recent stability. Although the former Leeds boss might have seen his squad claim a Copa America silver medal finish over the summer, they have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen putting in a toothless performance on October 16th as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Ecuador, La Celeste have failed to win any of their previous four World Cup qualifying appearances. In fact, continuing to show some extended issues in the final third, Uruguay have remarkably failed to win any of their last eight consecutive matchups across all competitions within 90 minutes.

Team News

While Fede Valverde might be dealing with reported fitness concerns, the Real Madrid midfielder has joined up with Bielsa’s squad. Likewise, despite dealing with a recent knock, Roma star Jose Maria Gimenez has also been included in Uruguay’s squad and should start at the heart of the Sky Blues’ defence.

Completing a summer move to Premier League giants Manchester United, Manuel Ugarte will earn a 27th international cap here. Heading into November’s international break with a goal against Aston Villa, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez should lead the line this weekend.

Colombia

As for the visitors, while Colombia might have opened October’s international break with a shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Bolivia, La Tricolor came roaring back last time out. Storming their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Chile, Nestor Lorenzo has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the globe. Reaching the Copa America final over the summer, Saturday’s guests appear to be cruising their way towards a World Cup return. Mustering 19 points from their 10 qualifying appearances, Colombia currently sit second in the standings and only behind reigning world champions Argentina. Likewise, claiming a gritty 1-0 victory when they met Uruguay at the Copa America semi-final stage back on July 11th, Lorenzo will be desperately seeking a repeat performance when his squad travel to Montevideo this weekend.

Team News

Dealing with a recent knock and missing each of Crystal Palace’s final three Premier League appearances, ex-Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma has not been included in Colombia’s squad. However, in what was a shock announcement last week, veteran goalkeeper David Ospina has been handed a recall.

Now playing his domestic football with Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano, former Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez will earn a 111th international cap here. Already notching nine goals across all competitions so far this season, Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will play a leading role in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Uruguay and Colombia met in the Copa America over the summer, La Tricolor collected a famous 1-0 win at the semi-final stage.
• Colombia are unbeaten in all of their previous four meetings against Uruguay across all competitions.
• Uruguay have failed to win any of their last four World Cup qualifying appearances.
• Likewise, Saturday’s hosts have failed to win any of their last eight matchups across all competitions within 90 minutes.
• Uruguay have scored just a single goal in any of their previous four World Cup qualifying appearances.

Conclusion

Landing a sensational 1-0 victory when they met Uruguay in the Copa America semi-finals back in July, Colombia will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. However, with Uruguay showing some extended issues in the final third, we could be set for a nervy affair in the early hours of Saturday. It should be highlighted, with Bielsa’s side notching just a single goal in any of their previous four World Cup qualifying appearances, we are expecting chances to come at a premium this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster