{"id":619906,"date":"2022-11-28T07:02:58","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T12:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=619906"},"modified":"2022-11-28T07:02:58","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T12:02:58","slug":"uruguay-predicted-lineup-vs-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2022\/11\/28\/uruguay-predicted-lineup-vs-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"Uruguay Predicted Lineup vs Portugal for World Cup Group H Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Uruguay<\/a> kickstarted their World Cup with a 0-0 draw against South Korea<\/a>. They will be facing group leaders Portugal in their next group stage match. Last Word on Sports predicts Uruguay\u2019s lineup and looks at their recent form heading into this fixture.<\/p>\n

Uruguay Predicted Lineup vs Portugal<\/h2>\n

How Uruguay Have Lined-Up Recently<\/h3>\n

Diego Alonso’s side lined up in a 4-3-3 formation<\/a> as they have done so in recent months. They are expected to lineup in a similar fashion against Portugal as well. Sergio Rochet starts in goal for the second World Cup match in a row. The backline is expected to be the same, with former Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin captaining the side.<\/p>\n

The highly rated duo of Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde<\/a> start in the midfield, as in the first match. Valencia striker Edinson Cavani replaces Luis Suarez in the starting lineup. Darwin Nunez and Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri<\/a> keep their places in the side after a strong showing against the South Koreans.<\/p>\n

Uruguay Injuries to Consider<\/h3>\n

Barcelona star Ronald Araujo<\/a> is the only injury concern for Alonso. He is not expected to be involved as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury, although Uruguay are hopeful he\u2019ll be available if they qualify for the knockout stages.<\/p>\n

Uruguay Recent Form and Tactics<\/h3>\n

La Celeste\u00a0<\/em>lacked quality throughout the pitch as they battled to a 0-0 draw in the opener. However, they will take inspiration from the fact that they beat the Portuguese in the quarterfinals<\/a> of the previous editon of the World Cup. “Portugal have a very good squad, they have excellent players, they have a wonderful coach with wide experience,” added Alonso. “That makes them a dangerous team. On the other hand, we also have our own weapons. We will try to win, we will bring our A game.”<\/p>\n

The Uruguayans have a no-nonsense, direct style of play. They will rely heavily on Darwin Nu\u00f1ez’s pace<\/a> to make runs behind the opposition defense. Nu\u00f1ez and Pellistri will no doubt try to exploit the injury concerns in the Portuguese backline. Additionally, Joao Cancelo’s attacking desire also makes him a target during counter-attacks.<\/p>\n

Read More: The Qatar 2022 World Cup Dark Horses<\/a><\/p>\n

On the other hand, Valverde has evolved into the ultimate box-to-box midfielder<\/a>. He will lead the press as La Celeste\u00a0<\/em>aim to pressure the Portuguese defenders and win the ball high up the pitch. Him and Bentancur will also play a key role in winning the midfield battle and protecting the backline. Alonso would have been happy with his team’s defensive performance against South Korea, but neutralizing the star studded Portugal attack is no mean feat.<\/p>\n

Uruguay Predicted Lineup<\/h3>\n

The predicted lineup is as follows:<\/p>\n

GK – Sergio Rochet<\/p>\n

LB – Mathias Olivera<\/p>\n

CB – Diego Godin<\/p>\n

CB – Jose Gimenez<\/p>\n

RB – Martin Caceres<\/p>\n

CM – Rodrigo Bentancur<\/p>\n

CM – Federico Valverde<\/p>\n

CAM – Matias Vecino<\/p>\n

LW – Darwin Nunez<\/p>\n

ST – Edinson Cavani<\/p>\n

RW – Facundo Pellistri<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>