Uruguay v Saudi Arabia: South Americans should stroll to victory

Uruguay v Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, 16:00
Live on BBC One

Uruguay should coast to victory

Uruguay were unspectacular in their World Cup opener but Oscar Taberez's side managed to get the job done against Egypt. A late header from Jose Gimenez gave the South Americans a 1-0 victory which has put them well on their way to a place in the second round. The team rarely looked like they moved out of second gear but did enough to eventually break down their opponents.

There was a lack of cohesion between forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani for much of Uruguay's opener which was a source of frustration for both players. World class Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin was the pick of the side against Egypt although their attackers should have plenty of chances to score in this Group A match in Rostov.

Daunting challenge for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia came into the tournament facing a huge task to avoid finishing bottom of their group. After their appalling showing against Russia on the opening day, this looks an impossible task for them. The World Cup hosts were made to look much better than they actually are in Moscow as Saudi Arabia were trounced 5-0.

It was shocking to see Saudi Arabia's lack of preparation in their first game as their woeful defence was exposed against Russia. Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were expected to adopt a defensive gameplan but they crumbled after conceding in the 12th minute. There was no attacking threat whatsoever from the side and there were no positives they could take from the defeat.

No value in backing short-priced favourites

This looks like the banker of the group stage but unfortunately Uruguay are hard to back for victory at odds of just 1.18. It is difficult to argue at this price though with Saudi Arabia producing the worst performance of any team so far in the competition. Everything points to a Uruguay win but we will look elsewhere for a more appealing return on backing the favourites.

Saudi Arabia are 23.00 outsiders for this match but there is no interest in even considering a punt on them. Their performance was unbelievably bad against Russia but even a much-improved display will not be enough to stretch their opponents. The draw, on offer at [8.8]also offers no appeal with Uruguay confidently fancied to defeat their feeble opponents.

Uruguay's goal threat can punish opponents

This looks a complete mismatch and Uruguay will know the potential significance of a high-scoring victory after Russia's 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia. With the attacking talent in the South Americans' side, they should be able to cover a two-goal handicap at generous odds of 8/5 with something to spare. Saudi Arabia are unlikely to score and it would be a surprise if Uruguay fail to clinch a one-sided win.

Suarez and Cavani to cause havoc against Saudis

After the way in which Saudi Arabia capitulated against Russia, Suarez and Cavani must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of facing them. It will be Suarez's 100th cap for Uruguay and the Barcelona striker should mark the feat with a goal. Cavani netted ten goals in the World Cup qualifiers and is another likely scorer. With Betfair's new Same Game Multi feature in the Sportsbook, you can back both Suarez and Cavani to score in a win against Saudi Arabia at 2.50.

Follow Simon's bets on Twitter @watfordtipster

Key Opta Stats for Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

This is the third encounter between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia and the first at a World Cup. The Saudis are unbeaten in the two previous fixtures, both home friendlies (W1 D1). The draw is 8.80.

Uruguay have won all three of their previous World Cup games against Asian opponents, scoring five and conceding just once (includes a 1970 victory against Israel, then part of the AFC). They are 1.18 to win.

Saudi Arabia have finished bottom of their group in their last three World Cup appearances, their best performance dating back to their opening tournament in 1994 (knocked out by Sweden in the round of 16). They are 1.18 to finish rock bottom of Group A.

Uruguay are looking to win their first two matches of a World Cup tournament for the first time since 1954. They are 1.52 to win half-time/full-time.

Saudi Arabia have failed to score in eight of their last 10 World Cup games. They didn’t have a single shot on target in their opener against Russia. Uruguay are 1.67 to win to nil.

Saudi Arabia have conceded 14 headed goals at the World Cup since their debut in 1994, more than any other team over that period. Over 2.5 goals is 1.63.

Uruguay have lost just one of their last nine World Cup group games (W5 D3), winning five of their last six. The draw half-time/Uruguay full-time double result is 4.40.

Should Luis Suarez make an appearance in this game for Uruguay, he'll win his 100th cap and become the sixth Uruguayan to reach this landmark. Suarez is 1.57 to make the occasion with a goal.

José Giménez's (89:01) strike versus Egypt was the latest winning goal by Uruguay in a World Cup game since Daniel Fonseca versus South Korea in 1990 (91:01). Giminez is [8.5] to score again.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Uruguay -2 to win @ 8/5 (Sportsbook)