Brazil vs Uruguay Preview: Team News & Prediction
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In one of the most historic and storied rivalries in international football, Uruguay travel to Bahia to take on a somewhat rejuvenated Brazil outfit.
Kick-off date/time: Wednesday 20th November, 2024: UK – 12:45am / US ET – 7:45pm (Tuesday) / US PT – 4:45pm (Tuesday)
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – Fanatiz
Brazil Preview: Work still to do
Brazil were not wholly convincing in their 1-1 draw with Venezuela last week but they have now lost just one of their last five qualifiers, which is a marked improvement on where they were at this stage last year, when they lost three games in a row.
Raphinha's stunning form in recent months has been a bright spark for the Selecao and it was his goal that earned them a point last week, the Barcelona star having now netted three times in his last two international outings.
Uruguay Preview: Dramatic win over Colombia
In stark contrast to their low-scoring, uneventful qualifiers in September and October, Uruguay played their part in a thoroughly entertaining contest with Colombia last week, eventually earning a 3-2 victory thanks to Manuel Ugarte's 101st minute winner in Montevideo.
That was a welcome win for Marcelo Bielsa's side as it was their first three points in qualifying since last November. Having lost just twice across the entire campaign though, their World Cup qualification prospects look strong right now.
Brazil Team News: One enforced change
Dorival Junior all but confirmed the starting line-up for Uruguay's visit, with the only change being an enforced one; Danilo coming in at right-back for the suspended Vanderson, who has been booked in Brazil's last two qualifiers.
An ankle issue has forced Atletico Mineiro full-back Guilherme Arana to return to his club prematurely.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner; Gerson, Raphinha, Guimaraes; Savinho, Igor Jesus, Vinicius Junior
UNAVAILABLE: Vanderson (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
Uruguay Team News: Ugarte in?
Bielsa has a big decision to make in midfield as he will be tempted to hand match-winner Ugarte a starting berth, likely in Rodrigo Bentancur's place.
Otherwise, the Uruguay boss looks set to keep faith the same team with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez once again leading line.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Rochet; Nandez, Gimenez, Olivera, Saracchi; Ugarte, Valverde; Pellistri, Aguirre, Araujo; Nunez
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
Key Stats
- Brazil have never lost at home against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying (W3 D3).
- Brazil have lost only one of their previous 67 World Cup qualifying matches in Brazil (W53 D13).
- Brazil have kept 14 clean sheets in their last 18 World Cup qualifying matches in Brazil (only four goals conceded in the 18 matches).
- Uruguay’s 2-0 home victory in October 2023 is one of only two wins for them against Brazil in World Cup qualifying history (D5 L6).
- Uruguay have lost only two of their last 15 World Cup qualifying matches (W9 D4).
- Uruguay have won only three of their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches away from home (D4 L5).
Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction
Brazil have improved considerably since a fairly disastrous spell of form last year, but this will be a true test for them against a Uruguay side who sit two points ahead of them in the table.
An added spice to this fixture is the fact that Uruguay knocked Brazil out of the Copa America on penalties in July, so the hosts will be keen to avenge that defeat and leapfrog their opponents in the standings. Indeed, Uruguay haven't beaten Brazil in their own backyard this century, so a home win looks the way to go in this one.
Brazil vs Uruguay Tip: Brazil to win
