Opening defeats against Italy and Costa Rica respectively could mean the losing team here packs their bags early- especially if Costa Rica manage a draw against Italy. None can afford to drop points, pointing to a highly charged affair in Sao Paulo. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez called the match a final and team captain Diego Lugano described it as “life and death”.
Uruguay’s attack line of former Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan and PSG’s 55 million-Pound striker failed to shine against Costa Rica as the Central Americans, led by Arsenal’s Joel Campbell and Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz (on loan at PSV Eindhoven) picked them apart. Despite the likely return of Luis Suarez, La Celeste should be worried about their defense which conceded three goals against 28th ranked Costa Rica, with Diego Lugano often outpaced and looking lost in that encounter. England have plenty of pace and trickery in attack with Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge particularly dangerous. Uruguay head coach Oscar Tabarez will also have to find a way to replace right back Maxi Pereira following his red card against Costa Rica. England, on their part, played well against Italy but still lost to a Mario Balotelli header. At least it wasn’t Costa Rica, eh?
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The most recent meeting between these sides was in an International Friendly in 2006 where England triumphed 2-1. The Englishmen will hope to replicate this score line on Thursday in order to boost their chances of making the Round of 16.
The Three Lions are backed to overcome the South Americans despite the imminent return of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Odds of 2.20 say England will triumph while a win for Uruguay win is priced at 3.60. Luis Suarez will not be happy with that, now will he? If you go purely on performance in their respective opening matches, this is just about right. Although it would suit neither team, a draw has been granted odds of 3.40 by the bookmakers.
With Luis Suarez back, you can back Uruguay to score. The Liverpool striker paired with PSG hotshot Edison Cavani will trouble any defense. What’s more, Suarez has in abundance the kind of creativity that Uruguay lacked against Costa Rica. Suarez not only finished as the highest goal scorer in England last season, he also created the highest number of chances. That said, England should also score. With Rooney expected to play in his favoured No 10 role, he will be at the top of his game and will either score or create chances for Daniel Sturridge ahead of him. Bet365 has odds of 1.80 saying both teams will score. Not bad value, I’d say.
The Over/Under Goals market might also be worth looking at with 2.00 odds for over 2.5 goals and 1.80 odds for under 2.5 goals.
Probable Lineups
Uruguay (4-4-2): Muslera; Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceras; Stuani, Arevalo, Gargano, Rodrigu; Forlan, Cavani
England (4-2-3-1): Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Sterling; Sturridge
Prediction: Uruguay 1 – 2 England $9.00 with Bet365 – Join Now for a $200 FREE BET – Limited Offer
