Uruguay vs Argentina Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Uruguay vs Argentina Preview

• Competition: World Cup Qualifiers
• Date: Friday, 21st March
• Kick-Off Time: 11:30 PM GMT
• Venue: Centenario

The Uruguay vs Argentina match will take place on Saturday 22 March at the Centenario, as the second-placed team will host the table toppers in a thrilling encounter in the World Cup Qualifier.

Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa has overseen 12 wins, five draws and four defeats since becoming Uruguay boss in May 2023. Uruguay won four of their first six World Cup Qualifiers matches under Bielsa, although they have since lost a little momentum with just one win in the last six qualifiers. As a result, Uruguay is well on course to secure automatic qualification for next year's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Last time out Uruguay defeated the current World and Copa America Champions by 2-0 and they will look to do the same once again. Bielsa is now preparing to face Argentina for the fourth time in his career. With home advantage on their side, Uruguay is the favourites to win this upcoming clash.

La Albiceleste is currently leading the pack and is in a very comfortable position with 25 points from 12 matches with eight wins, one draw and three losses in the campaign so far. Scaloni's men went down to Paraguay in a shock defeat during the last international window followed by a slender victory against Peru. They did lose the reverse fixture to Uruguay and they will now look to get revenge away from home. They do have a good record against Uruguay but they will miss many key players on their squad which will surely hamper their performance on the pitch. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure and fans can expect both teams to go all out and give their best on the pitch.

Uruguay Team News

Manuel Ugarte is suspended for the upcoming match against Argentina due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Bielsa has called in a lot of players for this camp and all players are fit to play the upcoming matches.

Argentina Team News

The World Champions will miss several key players for this upcoming clash. Star player Lionel Messi is out due to an abductor injury, Gonzalo Montiel, Giovanni Lo Celso, Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez all are injured for the upcoming games.

Uruguay vs Argentina Predicted Lineups

Uruguay Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Rochet

Defenders: Nandez, Ronald Araujo, Gimenez, Saracchi

Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pellistri

Forwards: Aguirre, M.Araujo, Darwin Nunez

Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Tagliafico

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Correa

Forwards: Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez

Uruguay vs Argentina Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other 193 times, out of which Uruguay won 58 matches, 45 games ended in draws and 90 matches were won by Argentina. In the last five fixtures, Uruguay won one match, one ended in a draw and Argentina won three games.

Key Players to Watch in Uruguay vs Argentina

Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Valverde has always been a force of nature on the football pitch. His boundless energy, relentless running, and ferocious tackling have earned him the El Pajarito name. Valverde's personal growth is very much evident. He is demonstrating greater confidence in his abilities, taking on more responsibility in attack and displaying a willingness to shoot from a distance. His decision-making in the final third has also improved, as he is choosing his moments to shoot or pass with greater discernment. His powerful runs from midfield and his long-range shooting ability make him a constant threat, forcing opponents to account for him not just defensively but also as a potential goalscorer. He is also a versatile player who can play at any position, while he is playing for Madrid Carlo Ancelloti uses him in many different positions, which shows his dedication to his team and willingness to play. In 26 matches in La Liga, he has scored five goals and has provided three assists.

Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Enzo is a player capable of dictating play from deep, launching dangerous long passes, and also doing his defensive duties from time to time. Fernandez is a progressive and dynamic passer and possesses the ability to single-handedly control the intensity of the game. He is the epitome of a complete midfielder who has also matured a lot in recent years as he is now one of the main leaders of Chelsea. His versatility is a hugely valuable skill and allows for creative tactical flexibility from his coach. He could fit seamlessly into every side and instantly improve them due to his overall quality. This season he has played 27 games in the Premier League for the Blues in which he has scored four goals and provided five assists.

Uruguay vs Argentina Prediction

These are two giants of world football and fans are very much excited to watch this match. Argentina do have a good record against Uruguay but they did suffer against them last time out as they lost the game. Bielsa's men will be hungry to win this upcoming clash as they have the home advantage and surely this will be an exciting clash for sure. Most probably this fixture will end in a stalemate.

Predicted Score: Uruguay 1-1 Argentina

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