Uruguay vs Peru
Copa America
Date: Saturday, 29 June 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador).
Form Uruguay & Team News
Uruguay started a good start at the Copa America 2019 with a 4-0 win against Ecuador. Nicolás Lodeiro scored after six minutes, José Quintero of Ecuador was released shortly after and the sidescar Tabárez made them pay.
Strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez made it 3-0 before halftime and an own goal made the match doubtful. Next is a stubborn Japanese team that pushed Uruguay away.
Coming from behind on two occasions, Luis Suárez's penalty and José Giménez's goal secured a 2-2 draw at Gremio Arena. La Celeste have more shots (29-12) and hit the crossbar twice, indicating that they are lucky not to win.
Tabárez did not take the chance against Chile at the Estadio do Maracanã, choosing a strong team that won 1-0. Edinson Cavani scored the winner then to ensure the top spot in Group C and run easier to the semi-final.
Matías Vecino was injured but Tabárez had enough cover in midfield with Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde. Left-back Diego Laxalt was forced out early against Japan so we could see Giovanni González continue to start with a full back.
Uruguay are favorites to beat Peru at 1.72 and I can't understand that price. I anticipate those opportunities quickly before starting.
Uruguay have won and not conceded in five of their last six matches in all competitions, scoring an average of three goals in each match. I brought Uruguay to win and support La Celeste in the handicap -1 market at 3.10.
Form Peru & Team News
Peru reached the Copa America quarter-finals after the series, winning and losing. Los Incas has every opportunity to punish Venezuela after Luis Del Pino was sent off but they failed to use it.
Ricardo Gareca's side fell behind Bolivia but bounced back to goals from Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores in a 3-1 victory. The next Peruvian opponent is hosting the Brazilian tournament at the Corinthian Arena.
It did not end well, thrashing 5-0 which could have been 6-0 if Pedro Gallese had not saved a late penalty. Even worse, Jefferson Farfan has been out for the rest of the Copa America due to a knee injury.
André Carrillo could start in his place or Gareca might choose a more defensive approach. Either way, Peru doesn't fit here and it's hard to suggest supporting Peru to win at 5.50.
Peru have lost four of their last five matches against Uruguay and failed to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions. For that reason, I avoided the draw at 3.60.
Team News
Uruguay's main injury concern surrounds Diego Laxalt, who suffered a hamstring injury against Japan and was not involved against Chile. If the defender fails to recover then Giovanni Gonzalez of Penarol in Uruguay must get a nod as left back.
Meanwhile, Lucas Torreira and Cristhian Stuani are struggling with the disease, but both are expected to recover to line up for the Tabarez team.
Luis Suarez and Cavani will start as front two for a 15-time winner, with Nicolas Lodeiro and Nahitan Nandez also expected to appear in the attack.
As for Peru, head coach Gareca has a fully fit squad to choose from, but changes are expected from the 5-0 defeat of Brazil last time.
Guerrero will again lead the line with support from Jefferson Farfan, although Josepmir Ballon pushed for a place in the XI after coming off the bench in defeat against the Selecao.
Andy Polo must maintain his position in an attacking position, though, even though the 24-year-old only managed one international goal.
Uruguay is likely the starting lineup:
Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Gonzalez; Lodeiro, Bentancur, Torreira, Nandez; Suarez, Cavani
Peru might start the lineup:
Gallese; Advincula, Zambrano, Abram, Trauco; Tapia, Yotun; Polo, Farfan, Cueva; Guerrero
Uruguay vs Peru Head to Head
Uruguay have won four of the last five matches against Peru, including a 2-0 Copa America semi-final win on their way to the title.
Peru won the last meeting in 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Lima. Carlos Sanchez put Uruguay in front, but goals for Paolo Guerrero and Edison Flores gave Peru a 2-1 victory.
Prediction
Uruguay beat Chile in their last group match to finish top of Group C and avoid Colombia in the next round. They are a favorite company here.
Peru qualified for the knockout stage with four points from three matches, despite losing 5-0 to hosts Brazil in their last match.
Peru actually won the last meeting between the two countries but Uruguay were unbeaten in the previous five matches.
Prediction:
Uruguay 1-0 Peru
