Uruguay vs Venezuela
South America – 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Date: Friday; 7th October 2016,
Kick-off: 00:00 UK
Venue: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo.
Uruguay have struggled in recent years, though Óscar Tabárez's side have enjoyed a surprisingly successful start to their World Cup qualifying campaign so far. They find themselves top of the South American group after eight matches, and will be looking to extend their one-point lead over second-place Brazil when they go head-to-head with Venezuela in Montevideo on Thursday.
It's certainly a game that the hosts will be expecting to win, with Venezuela living up to their reputation as traditionally one of South America's weakest international outfits. They sit rock bottom of the group, having picked up just two points from their opening eight games. They have never managed to win a game away in Uruguay, and need to pull off a big upset if they're to rewrite the history books this time around.
Uruguay vs Venezuela: Head to Head Statistics
Both teams have played a total of 16 games in the past, Uruguay have won 7 games and lost 4 to Venezuela. At home Uruguay have won 4 games and lost 4 to Venezuela. The two teams last met in the just concluded Copa America, Venezuela defeated Uruguay with a lone goal.
Uruguay vs Venezuela: Prediction
Both teams haven’t been in good form lately, but Uruguay are the better side with 2 wins and 3 defeats. Uruguay are currently leading the qualification table with 16 points, a point above Brazil in 2nd position. They have won 5 of their 8 qualification games, lost 2 and draw 1.
Venezuela are currently on a 4-game winless streak, they lost 2 games and drawn 2. They have failed to win any of their qualifying games in this campaign, losing 6 games and drawn 2. They are currently rocking the bottom of the table with just 2 points and hope to get their first win in this game.
Uruguay have all it take to grab all 3 points and keep their lead in the table and they must start-off with a lead from the first half itself.
Uruguay vs Venezuela: Betting Tips
Half-Time/Full-Time – Uruguay/Uruguay at 1.90 (10/11)
Uruguay to keep a clean sheet at 1.72 (8/11).
Head To Head
Uruguay have won two, drawn three, and lost one of their last six meetings with Venezuela.
Stats
86% of Uruguay's last seven home games have seen at least three goals scored, with them winning 86% of them as well.
Team News
Defensive mainstay Diego Godin will captain the squad, with fellow veterans Alvaro Pereira and Jorge Fucile also included in the squad. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are both included, with the two having scored 46 goals and 34 goals respectively in their 86 appearances. Defender Federico Ricca and midfielder Diego Laxait will be hoping to make their debuts.
Midfielder Tomas Rincon is captain for Venezuela, whilst their main attacking threat is West Brom striker Salomon Rondon. 32 year old defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo is the most capped player in the squad, whilst at the other end of the spectrum defender Yordan Osorio and midfielder Aristoteles Romero will be hoping to make their debuts.
