Spain will look to seal top spot in Group H as they take on two-time winners Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Pre-tournament favourites Spain drew plenty of criticism after their group opener, as they were held to a goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde.
However, Luis de la Fuente’s men answered their critics emphatically in Atlanta last Sunday evening, as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, in a game in which they were three goals ahead after just 24 minutes.
Therefore, La Roja will be well aware that if they avoid defeat, they will secure top spot and avoid a Round of 32 clash with reigning champions Argentina.
Uruguay were also held to a surprise draw on MD1, as they had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia.
However, unlike the Spanish, Marcelo Bielsa’s men failed to answer their critics, as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde.
That means Uruguay require a win in Seattle on Saturday to top the group, whilst a draw may be enough to qualify for the knockout stages, depending on results elsewhere.
How the bookies view it: Spain favourites
Spain are favourites to follow up their victory over Saudi Arabia, with bet365 pricing a La Roja success at 1/2.
Uruguay are 11/2 underdogs to claim the win they need to confirm qualification, whilst a third successive draw for La Celeste pays 31/10.
Head to head: Spanish dominance
Spain have never lost to Uruguay, with La Roja winning five and drawing five of their 10 meetings (W5-D5-L0).
These two nations have met twice on the World Cup stage, with both ending in draws in Italia 90 and in Brazil in 1950 – a tournament the Uruguayans would go on to win.
Players to watch: More Mikel magic in a Spanish shirt?
Mikel Oyarzabal has a superb record for Spain, as he has scored 27 goals across his 55 caps for the reigning European champions.
The Real Sociedad captain scored eight goals in World Cup qualifying – as well as a brace against Saudi Arabia last time out – and is an appealing 6/5 at bet365 to get on the scoresheet once again.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Neither side appears to have any fresh injury or suspension concerns from their MD2 clashes.
Uruguay: Muslera, Valera, Caceres, Olivera, Sanabria, Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Canobbio, M Araujo, Nunez
Spain: Simon, Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Olmo, Pedri, Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal
Anything else catch the eye?
Spain bounced back from their sluggish start against Cape Verde in their group opener as they blew away Saudi Arabia, and I expect them to have too much for a Uruguayan side that has disappointed in both of their group openers.
Spain are worthy favourites at 1/2, but adding in Over 1.5 Goals boosts the price to a backable 4/5 at bet365.
12 of Spain’s last 14 competitive matches have gone Over 2.5 Goals, and a repeat pays an appealing 10/11 at bet365.
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