BOTH Uzbekistan and Egypt will be bidding to bank their first three points at the 2024 Olympics when the pair do battle at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday afternoon.
Uzbekistan were always going to be up against the odds in their Group C opener against Spain, though they did give a good account of themselves in a 2-1 defeat.
Ahead of the tournament getting underway, Timur Kapadze's team will have earmarked their final two group games as being pivotal to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Given that the White Wolves currently find themselves propping up the section, they have no room for error when they go up against Egypt.
The Pharaohs put a point on the board on matchday one following a dull 0-0 draw with the Dominican Republic, in a game that brought up one of our man Kevin Mac’s tips.
With a tough test against Spain lying in wait on matchday three, Egypt will be targeting all three points in Nantes on Saturday afternoon.
How the bookies view it: Egyptians to edge it
The bookmakers are struggling to separate the two sides, with Egypt marginal 7/5 favourites on Bet 365 to claim top honours.
Uzbekistan are narrow 8/5 (Bet 365) outsiders while a share of the Stade de la Beaujoire spoils can be backed at 23/10 (Bet 365).
Head to head: Egypt aiming for rerun
Egypt earned a 2-1 win when the two nations' Under 23 sides met last October. However, it’s worth noting that Uzbekistan triumphed in the two meetings prior to that, both of which took place in 2019.
Players to watch: Shomurodov to strike again?
Eldor Shomurodov added to his record-extending goal tally for Uzbekistan by striking against Spain on Wednesday afternoon. The Roma forward looks worthy of interest to repeat the trick this weekend at 11/4 on Bet 365.
Ibrahim Adel bagged a brace in Egypt’s final warm-up game and he is as big as 9/2 (Bet 365) to notch in Nantes on Saturday afternoon.
Predicted line-ups
Uzbekistan boss Timur Kapadze is expected to name an unchanged starting 11 for the second game running on Saturday afternoon.
Following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with the Dominican Republic last time out, Egypt manager Rogerio Micale is likely to go with the same line-up on matchday two.
Uzbekistan: Nematov; Mirsaidov, Khamraliev, Khusanov, Yuldashev; Buriev, Kholmatov; Fayzullaev, Jaloliddinov, Odilov; Shomurodov
Egypt: Egypt: Alaa, Fayed, Eid, El Debes, Tarek, Elneny, Sayed, Kamal, Adel, Faisal, Mazhar.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given how crucial the outcome of this game could be to both side's qualification hopes, a cagey and low-scoring affair could be on the cards in the Upper Brittany region of western France.
With Over 2.5 goals too short to side with at 3/5, no goal being scored before the 33rd minute is a tempting alternative angle of attack at 5/6 on Bet 365.
As already alluded to, Egypt's game with the Dominican Republic ended goalless, while Uzbekistan's solitary goal against Spain came from the penalty spot just before half-time.
Thus, backing neither side to net inside the first 33 minutes merits consideration at 5/6 on Bet 365.
This Olympics match between Uzbekistan and Egypt will be played on Jul 27, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Uzbekistan vs Egypt prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
