Venezuela vs Uruguay Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Preview

• Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers
• Date: Tuesday, September 10
• Kick-off Time: 10:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Estadio Monumental de Maturin, Venezuela

Venezuela will welcome Uruguay in the second round of fixtures of the September international break. The Venezuela vs Uruguay match promises to have a huge bearing for both nations as far as qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is concerned. Venezuela was handed a 4-0 thrashing by Bolivia on Thursday while Uruguay was held to a 0-0 stalemate by Paraguay. The hosts sit at the fifth spot in the qualification table while Marcelo Bielsa’s men are currently behind only Argentina.

The 4-0 defeat to Bolivia ended Venezuela’s four-game unbeaten run. The national team has three victories, two draws, and a loss in the last six games. Venezuela enjoyed a fruitful Copa America campaign, bowing out only in the quarter-finals on the back of a penalty shootout loss to Canada. With nine points in seven games, the country is in an uncomfortable spot with only 11 matchdays to go.

Uruguay’s last six encounters have produced just a solitary win along with four draws and a Copa America semi-final loss to Colombia. Marcelo Bielsa has done a remarkable job at the helm of the national team since his appointment back in May 2023. Despite the recent disappointing form, Uruguay is still second on the qualification table. A victory over Venezuela will do the nation a lot of good to get the campaign back on track.

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Team News

Venezuela national football team news

Venezuela’s head coach, Fernando Batista is likely to go ahead with his preferred 5-3-2 formation. The shape will modify into a 3–5-2 in possession with the wingbacks allowed to roam forward. Girona’s Yangel Herrera is a doubt for the game against Uruguay due to a muscle injury and the final decision regarding his fitness will be announced in the hours leading to the game.

Uruguay national football team news

Marcelo Bielsa will have to deal with the absence of his midfield engine, Fede Valverde. The Real Madrid midfielder was handed a yellow card against Paraguay and will be suspended owing to too many bookings. Valverde will return to Madrid and Bielsa will have a key decision to make regarding his midfield. Nahitan Nandez, Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Mathias Olivera are also suspended for the contest.

Predicted Lineups

Venezuela national football team predicted lineup:

Romo; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Osorio, Navarro; Segovia, Martinez, Pereira; Machis, Soteldo, Rondon

Uruguay national football team predicted lineup:

Rochet; Rodriguez, Bueno, Cacares, Olaza; Martinez, Ugarte, Rodriguez; Pellistri, Araujo, Rodriguez

Head-to-Head

Venezuela and Uruguay have been frequent opponents in the past in Copa America tournaments as well as the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. The last five fixtures have been kinder to Tuesday’s visitors with two victories for Uruguay.

Last Five 5 Matches’ Result:

Uruguay 4-1 Venezuela (2022, World Cup Qualifiers)

Venezuela 0-0 Uruguay (2021, World Cup Qualifiers)

Venezuela 0-0 Uruguay (2017, World Cup Qualifiers)

Uruguay 3-0 Venezuela (2016, World Cup Qualifiers)

Uruguay 0-1 Venezuela (2016, Copa America)

Key Players to Watch Out for

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)

One of the biggest summer signings for Manchester United is yet to make the debut for his new club. However, that will not prevent Marcelo Bielsa from naming Manuel Ugarte in his playing XI. The former Paris Saint-Germain player played 79 minutes in the last game against Paraguay, indicating that he is retaining his fitness level. The 23-year-old will be a key player due to the absence of several senior stars in the Uruguay camp, leading Ugarte to hold the midfield and team together.

Maximiliano Araujo (Uruguay)

Uruguay’s Friday night outing Uruguay was a special occasion due to Luis Suarez retiring from international duty after the game. The former Barcelona man said goodbye as his country’s all-time top goalscorer. With Darwin Nunez also not in the squad, Maximiliano Araujo is expected to start as the number nine, gradually occupying spaces out wide. Araujo will have several eyes on him as the ultimate goal threat against Venezuela.

Venezuela vs Uruguay Prediction

Venezuela will enter the game with a lot of motivation and expectation on seeing several integral Uruguay first-team players absent. The scenario does make Uruguay vulnerable but the 15-time Copa America champions should have enough in its tank to get the better of Venezuela. Marcelo Bielsa will be confident of his side’s defensive play but his attack will need to click after having scored only four goals in the last six games.

Predicted Score: Venezuela 0-1 Uruguay

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