Uruguay vs Brazil Prediction: Bielsa can mastermind shock at Copa America
Two big guns collide in the quarter-finals of the Copa America as Uruguay face Brazil in Las Vegas. Brazil have underperformed so far, finishing second in their group with five points, but they still boast an array of superstars, while Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay have won three from three and conceded just one goal so far.
This should be a cracking watch, and below you can find my Uruguay vs Brazil prediction.
Team News
It looks as though Maximiiano Araujo will miss this one for Uruguay after being stretchered off in the win over USA. He went off wearing a neck brace so the signs aren’t positive, while Cristian Olivera came on for him and is likely to start in his place. Facundo Pellistri and Darwin Nunez provide an interesting attack, while the dynamic duo of Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte will continue in midfield.
Brazil are missing Vinicius Junior for this game as he has to serve a one-game suspension having picked up two yellow cards. His absence will affect them, with Endrick possibly set to start in his place. Rodrygo and Raphinha are likely to play out wide, while Wendell and Guilherme Arana are battling it out for the left-back spot.
Uruguay predicted starting XI:
Rochet; Nandez, R. Araujo, M. Olivera, Vina; Ugarte, Valverde; Pellistri, De la Cruz, C. Olivera; Nunez
Brazil predicted starting XI:
Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Marquinhos, Arana; Guimaraes, Gomes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Endrick
Uruguay are priced at 9/5 to win this one, while Brazil can be backed at 25/17. A draw is available at 21/10, BTTS is 23/25 and over 2.5 goals is 23/19.
Uruguay to win @ 7/4
This is a fairly simple pick in my opinion. Uruguay have been sensational so far in this tournament and look streets ahead of Brazil at this moment in time. Their group stage performance was near perfect, and they won three from three with relative ease, while Brazil have struggled and positivity is in short supply.
Without Vinicius, I don’t see Brazil winning this match at all and as a result, think we are getting excellent value on a Uruguay win. Bielsa has proven himself to be a fine tactician with this side, and I think they have more than enough to get the result they need this weekend. The last four awaits.
Darwin Nunez anytime goalscorer @ 21/10
I’m happy to back the Liverpool man to find the net at any time here. He’s the captain of chaos when it comes to attacking and seems to have found his place at the forefront of this Uruguay team. He’s already found the net twice in this tournament, and Uruguay look like an extremely strong attacking side right now.
Given Brazil’s weakness at the back - they only kept Costa Rica at bay in the group - I think Uruguay will have fun in front of goal, and Darwin Nunez will be at the forefront of that. He can find the net in a big win.
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