URUGUAY will be looking to make a positive start to their Copa America campaign as they face Panama in their opening Group C fixture. The Uruguayans are considered one of the favourites to go all the way this year and should be too strong for Panama in this one.
Uruguay were the first ever winners of the Copa America and have gone on to win 15 titles overall, the last of which came in 2011. They have found things difficult in recent times, only reaching the quarter-finals in the last four editions.
Having assembled a squad of talented players like Federico Valverde, Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez, Uruguay will be confident in their chances this year. Marcelo Bielsa’s team looked good in their warm up games and triumphed 4-0 over Mexico in their final fixture.
Panama are one of the invited teams in this year’s Copa America and have only made one previous appearance in the competition. They failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2016 but managed to pick up one win, which is pretty much the outcome that's expected of them this time around.
The Panamanians warmed up for this year’s competition with wins over teams like Guyana and Montserrat, although they will face much tougher opponents in the USA. The gap in quality was evident in their final warm-up game as Thomas Christensen’s men lost 1-0 to Paraguay.
How the bookies view it: Panama to struggle
Uruguay have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/7 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Panama is valued at 17/2 while a draw is set at odds of 18/5.
Head to head: Uruguay all the way
Uruguay have won all three previous matches and are yet to concede a goal against Panama. Both teams met in a friendly back in 2022 with the Uruguayans running out 5-0 winners.
Players to watch: Nunez to stand out
Darwin Nunez has a fine scoring record for Uruguay and is coming off a hat-trick in the win over Mexico. The striker will be the one to watch on Sunday and is priced at 5/6 by Betfred to score anytime.
Uruguay also have quality at the back with Jose Gimenez often solid in the heart of the defence. They have kept clean sheets in their last two matches and could be set for a repeat at 7/10 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
While Luis Suarez offers plenty of experience, he is likely to start on the bench, with Darwin Nunez the preferred choice up front. Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde should feature in midfield while Jose Gimenez is set to start at the back.
Forward Jose Rodriguez did not feature in the defeat to Paraguay and should be handed a start on Sunday while Jose Farjado is expected to lead the line for the Panamanians.
Uruguay: Rochet, Varela, Gimenez, Araujo, Olaza, Bentancur, Valverde, Pellistri, Rodriguez, Araujo, Nunez
Panama: Mosquera, Miller, Cordoba, Harvey, Davis, Godoy, Martinez, Murillo, Diaz, Rodriguez, Farjado
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Uruguay’s defensive solidity and with Panama not particularly prolific, a win to nil could be on the cards at 10/11 by Betfred. The Uruguayans scored five in the last meeting with Panama and could be backed in the -2 handicap market at 23/10 with Betfred.
With the Uruguayans expected to be dominant, they could be tipped to win both halves at 9/5 with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Uruguay and Panama will be played on Jun 24, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Uruguay vs Panama prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
