The Stats Zone
· Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Uruguay vs Russia Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Monday 25th June, 15:00

Where? Cosmos Arena

What channel is it on? ITV1

Where can I stream the match? The match can be streamed online via ITV Player

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-a-russia-saudi-arabia-egypt-uruguay-tickets/ca5910

THE TEAM NEWS

URUGUAY

  • Uruguay have won both of their matches 1-0 so far but they are grinding out performances and not finding anywhere near their best form yet which is some ways bodes well if they can raise their game.
  • They have qualified for the knockout phase already so that may encourage Tabarez to rotate some of his players for this game here as Coates, Silva and Torreira could all see starts but Tabarez will not make many changes as they seek to improve their attacking play.

Predicted line-up (4-4-2):

Muslera

Varela, Godin, Coates, Silva

Sanchez, Bentancur, Torreira, Rodriguez

Cavani, Suarez

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

RUSSIA

  • Eight goals and two wins have seen Russia storm to the top of Group A and anything other than defeat here will see them seal top spot as they have been a revelation so far in this tournament.
  • Dzagoev misses out once again here but there is a chance he will be fit to return in the Round of 16 as he continues his recovery so there is some optimism around his future involvement.
  • Cherchesov may consider resting Golovin here as he is one yellow card away from suspension while Kudryashov could also get a start in a couple of potential changes.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Akinfeev

Fernandes, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Zhirkov

Gazinskiy, Zobnin

Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev

Dzyuba

Unavailable: Dzagoev

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

Both teams have 100% winning records so far and have already qualified for the knockout round so the pressure is off, but both will want to keep some momentum. Uruguay have not conceded in their last five matches but have stuttered going forward so with the intensity likely to drop off a touch here, do not expect too many goals in this one.

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