URUGUAY will be aiming to build on their opening fixture in group C of the Copa America as they face Bolivia on Friday. The Uruguayans look sharp already and given their record against Bolivia, will be confident of coming out on top.
Uruguay were in fine form in their opening Group C fixture as they claimed a 3-1 victory over Panama. They raced to a three-goal lead thanks to Maximiliano Araujo, Darwin Nunez, Matias Vina before the Panamanians pulled one back.
That result is an extension of Uruguay’s recent good form as they have lost just once in their last eight matches across all competitions. Among the results for Marcelo Bielsa’s men in that run are 2-0 victories over Brazil and Copa America champions Argentina.
Bolivia head into Friday’s clash off the back of a 2-0 defeat to USA in their opening Group C fixture. They were second best throughout the encounter and carried very little attacking threat.
Unlike Uruguay, Bolivia had been on a lengthy poor run long before the start of the Copa as they have lost six of their last seven matches. As evidenced by the display in their opening fixture, Antonio Carlos Zago’s men often struggle in attack and have failed to score in three of their last four matches.
How the bookies view it: Everything points Uruguay
Uruguay have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/8 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory Bolivia is valued at 14/1 while a draw is set at odds of 11/2.
Head to head: Easy ride for Uruguay
Uruguay have a 13-4 advantage with three draws from 20 previous matches against Bolivia. The most recent meeting was a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in November which ended 3-0 in favour of the Uruguayans with Darwin Nunez netting a brace.
Players to watch: Nunez to maintain heat
Darwin Nunez has impressed for Uruguay in recent times and was on target in the opening fixture. The Liverpool striker also netted a brace in the last meeting with Bolivia and is priced at 8/13 by Betfred.
With Bolivia unconvincing in attack, Uruguay will be targeting a shutout on Friday. Mathias Olivera and Ronald Araujo have formed a solid partnership lately and can lead the Uruguayans to a clean sheet at 3/5 by Betfred.
Probable line-up
Uruguay are unlikely to make changes to their team with Darwin Nunez expected to lead the line once again. Mathias Olivera and Ronald Araujo should also maintain their partnership in the heart of the defence.
Guillermo Viscara should continue in goal for Bolivia ahead of Carlos Lampe despite conceding twice last time out. Rodrigo Ramallo and Carmelo Algaranaz are also pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the opening fixture.
Uruguay: Rochet, Vina, Olivera, Araujo, Nandez, Ugarte, Valverde, Araujo, Arrascaeta, Pellistri, Nunez
Bolivia: Viscara, Sagredo, Haquin, Sagredo, Merino, Saucedo, Villamil, Fernandez, Ramallo, Menacho, Algaranaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Uruguay won to nil in the last meeting with Bolivia and could be set for a repeat at 4/6 with Betfred. Having scored three in their opening fixture, a -2 handicap could also be considered at 6/5 by Betfred.
With Uruguay expected to be dominant on Friday, they could be backed to win both halves at 21/20 by Betfred.
This Copa America match between Uruguay and Bolivia will be played on Jun 28, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Uruguay vs Bolivia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
