Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The CONMEBOL South America World Cup qualifiers are coming thick and fast and South American expert Nathan Joyes puts forward his Brazil vs Uruguay prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

It was yet another frustrating night on the road for Dorival Junior as his side drew 1-1 with Venezuela in Maturin. Back on home soil, there’s an expectancy the Selecao perform, and although it might not be glamorous, they can get the job done against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

• Brazil vs Uruguay Tip 1: Brazil and under 3.5 goals
• Brazil vs Uruguay Tip 2: Raphinha to score anytime
• Brazil vs Uruguay Tip 3: Nahitan Nandez to be carded

Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction 1: Narrow win for hosts

Bolivia, World Cup Qualifiers, Wednesday, November 20th, 00:45 (UK)

Brazil continue to disappoint on the road and plenty of criticism has been thrown Dorival Junior’s way. However, on their own patch, they’ve secured two wins from their last two matches, beating both Ecuador and Peru to nil.

Both nations are not on the same level as Uruguay, but Brazil’s next visitors have plenty of their own problems. Much has been made of Marcelo Bielsa’s management style since Luis Suarez dropped negative comments about the Argentine post Copa America – and that appears to have impacted them on the pitch.

Their attacking line-up did reward them with a 3-2 win against Colombia on Friday evening, but even Bielsa won’t be foolish enough to be that abrupt against Brazil on the road. A corner turned? We’ll have to wait and see, but they can’t rely on own goals and 101st minute winners.

It may not be pretty at times, but Brazil have the players capable of dragging them over the line and securing a positive result. After every disappointing result, they need to bounce back – and they might just get it on Wednesday evening.

• Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction 1: Brazil to win and under 3.5 goals
• Best Odds: 2.0
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction 2: In form man to score

Raphinha’s sensational free-kick against Venezuela last week on the stroke of half-time was arguably one of the best goals we’ve seen during the qualifiers. It’s moments of magic that continue to get Brazil points on the board, and without the Barcelona man, Dorival Junior may no longer be in the job.

That was the Brazilians fourth goal in his last five matches for club and country – having previously scored a hattrick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. No one is playing better than the 27-year-old in world football right now – and not many will be able to argue that very strong claim.

Having scored two penalties against Peru, the responsibility was handed back to Vinicius Junior against Venezuela. However, the Brazilian fluffed his opportunity, and if they were to get a penalty against Uruguay, it would be hard to not give the ball back to the Barcelona player.

Brazil need a leader at present, and that appears to be Raphinha, who has more than earned his spot back – and not just within the squad, but as a crucial starter for the Selecao.

• Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction 2: Raphinha to score anytime
• Best Odds: 3.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Brazil vs Uruguay 3: Right back to be booked

There’s no doubt that this fiery fixture will spill over at some point and I’ve located the perfect candidate to receive at least a yellow card.

Al Qadisiya’s right-back Nahitan Nandez isn’t a stranger to a yellow card, having already received four in eight Saudi Pro League games. For Uruguay, he’s collected four in eight World Cup qualifiers, including against Colombia on Friday.

Whether bringing someone down or “discussing” his tackles with the referee, Nandez isn’t one to back down – which is why he’s proven unpopular amongst officials.

But away from his inability to control his temper, Nandez is going to be up against Vinicius Junior. Although the Real Madrid winger has disappointed at national level, he’s still shown signs of ability to get at opposing full-backs.

Even if Brazil interchange their wingers, Nandez will potentially have to deal with Vinicius Junior, Savio, Raphinha or even worse – Estevao.

Having picked up so many yellows, Nandez also isn’t blessed with pace – especially in comparison to Brazil’s attackers – and he can once again end up in the ref’s book.

• Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction 3: Nahitan Nandez to be carded
• Best Odds: 2.875
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, November 16th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Brazil vs Uruguay Team News and Possible Lineups: Full-back changes for the hosts

Brazil possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Arana, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Danilo, Guimarães, Gerson, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Savinho, Jesus

Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Saracchi, Olivera, Gimenez, Nandez, Valverde, Bentancur, Araujo, Aguirre, Pellistri, Nunez

Brazil vs Uruguay Match Stats

• Brazil has won four of their last five home matches against Uruguay.
• Raphinha has scored three goals in his last two games for Brazil.
• Nahitan Nandez has been booked in four of his eight World Cup qualifiers.

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