Uruguay kick-off their World Cup Qualifiers at home to Chile on Friday, and the bookmakers are backing the home side to win. There hasn’t been a draw between these two nations since 2011, so the odds of one of the two teams coming away with all 3pts look very good.
The last time the pair locked horns was back in June 2019 in the Copa America. A solitary strike from new Manchester United signing, Edinson Cavani, in the 82nd minute proved enough for Uruguay to claim a 1-0 win. Uruguay finished top of Group C that year, but Chile went further in the competition, eventually losing in the Semi-Finals to Peru.
🎥 A dos días del inicio de las Eliminatorias, @Uruguay trabajó con 22 jugadores en el complejo Celeste.#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/MouwNSRIbN— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) October 6, 2020
🎥 A dos días del inicio de las Eliminatorias, @Uruguay trabajó con 22 jugadores en el complejo Celeste.#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/MouwNSRIbN
Uruguay have called-upon many of their familiar household names such as Godin, Caceres, and Suarez. However, the hosts are without the services of experienced goalkeeper Musiera, Atletico Madrid defender Gimenez, and the above mentioned Cavani. Munoz, Araujo, Oliveros, Damian Suarez, Arambarri, De La Cruz, and Rossi make up the uncapped members of the squad.
The hosts have won three of their last six games against Chile, but the visitors have also won three times during that period. Over 2.5 goals have been produced in three of the duo’s last five head to heads, including each of their last two World Cup Qualifiers.
Uruguay edge the form guide with three wins and three draws from their last six outings. Both teams have scored in five of Uruguay’s and three of Chile’s last six matches in all competitions. Chile have only won one of their last six internationals, but that victory did arrive in their last game, a friendly against Guinea.
Chile have called up the experienced Isla, Vidal, Aranguiz, Sanchez, and Vargas for their opening two qualifiers against Uruguay and Colombia. However, centurions Bravo and Medel both miss out.
Five uncapped players have been given their chance to impress, four of which ply their trade in Chile while the other plays for Mexican side Mazatian. Only five of the Chile squad play for teams based in Europe.
Uruguay have qualified for the last three World Cups while Chile missed the last World Cup, but like Friday’s hosts, they did play in South Africa and Brazil. Only the top four teams will qualify for Qatar 2022, and the fifth placed team will go through to the playoffs. Getting off to a winning start is important when your qualification process is as competitive as it is in South America.
Uruguay are the form favourites and have the home advantage, which could prove key to Friday’s result. Forebet is backing a home win for Suarez and co.