Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay predictions: South Americans can enjoy routine opening win
Ross Kilvington
Saudi Arabia have won just one of their last six matches
Uruguay suffered a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup
Recommended bet: Uruguay to win to nil
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Saudi Arabia started off the 2022 World Cup in dreamlike fashion, defeating favourites Argentina 2-1. It went downhill from there, though, as they lost to both Poland and Mexico to exit in the group stages.
Uruguay also struggled in Qatar, failing to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2002, winning just one game in the process.
Marcelo Bielsa will take charge of his third South American side at the World Cup after leading Argentina in 2002 and Chile eight years later.
The latest Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
There are no fresh injury worries for Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis and he will turn to Salem Al-Dawsari as a potential match-winner.
He scored the winner against Argentina four years ago and remains arguably Saudi Arabia’s talisman.
Bielsa will be without the services of defender Ronald Araujo, who is dealing with a minor calf injury but should return for the second group match.
Elsewhere, Jose Maria Gimenez will not be fit for the opener either, leaving Bielsa with some tinkering to do in his defence, while midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta is also struggling with a calf problem.
The latest Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
The stats
Uruguay and Saudi Arabia have met in a competitive fixture only once previously, at the 2018 World Cup with the South Americans prevailing 1-0 thanks to a Luis Suarez goal.
Saudi Arabia have won just one of their last seven international matches, a 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico. Aside from netting three goals during that game, the Arab nation have managed a paltry two goals in the six other matches.
Uruguay may not be in the best of form heading into this clash, drawing two and losing two of their last four matches, which includes a dismal 5-1 defeat to the USA.
Three of their last four wins have come without conceding, however.
Saudi Arabia have conceded eight goals across their last five matches.
The latest Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
Despite his influence within the game, Bielsa’s World Cup record is mixed, winning just three of his seven matches in spells with Argentina and Chile.
Uruguay might have their injury worries and the expectation will not be as high compared to previous tournaments, but a good start against Saudi Arabia could give them a massive boost.
The South Americans will be wary of what happened to neighbours Argentina four years ago, but Donis’ men have been poor in their recent matches and should not pose too many problems.
How far Uruguay progress in the competition rests on this game. An entertaining performance akin to Bielsa’s early months could signify a positive World Cup.
Score prediction: Saudi Arabia 0-2 Uruguay
