Ghana v Uruguay predictions: Favourites must be wary of Black Stars' quality

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Ghana v Uruguay in World Cup Group H on Friday.

Where to watch

BBC Two, 3pm Friday

Best bet

Mohammed Kudus first goalscorer
1pt each-way 11-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Uruguay may struggle to strike the right balance between attack and defence in this must-win fixture and Ghana have some decent goal threats, including Ajax youngster Mohammed Kudus.

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Match preview

Uruguay's big-name forwards have failed to make an impact in their first two Group H fixtures against South Korea and Portugal, leaving the South Americans in a precarious position going into their final game against Ghana.

Even if this were a dead rubber, the Black Stars would have had plenty of motivation given their acrimonious quarter-final defeat to Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup.

After Luis Suarez palmed a shot off the goal-line deep into extra-time, Ghana's Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty, and Uruguay won the shootout to progress to the semi-finals.

A dozen years later, Suarez is still on the scene but Ghana have the opportunity to end his World Cup campaign before the knockout stages.

Portugal are guaranteed a last-16 spot after winning their first two matches but Ghana are next in the standings on three points thanks to their chaotic 3-2 win over South Korea on Monday.

That followed a defeat by the same scoreline to Portugal in which Inaki Williams almost nicked a cheeky injury-time equaliser when goalkeeper Diogo Costa, oblivious to the forward's presence behind him, put the ball down, prompting a dramatic penalty-area scramble.

There has been far less entertainment in Uruguay's first two games as their opening goalless draw with South Korea was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Portugal.

Diego Alonso's men showed little attacking urgency in either match and they may find it difficult to change their approach for the must-win clash with Ghana so the favourites make little appeal at odds-on.

There is great quality in the Uruguay squad but Alonso, who has been in charge for less than a year, does not seem certain of his strongest line-up.

Suarez started against South Korea, with Liverpool's Darwin Nunez on the left wing. Neither player made much of an impression in a game of few chances in which centre-back Diego Godin came closest to ending the stalemate with a header against the post.

For the meeting with group favourites Portugal, Alonso replaced Suarez with his fellow veteran Edinson Cavani to play alongside Nunez but Uruguay still lacked attacking fluency and they must be wary of Ghana's threat on the break.

The Black Stars have had only six shots on target at this World Cup but scored five goals, the last two coming from impressive Ajax youngster Mohammed Kudus.

He also got into some dangerous positions against Portugal and, having scored in four of Ajax's six Champions League group games against Rangers, Liverpool and Napoli this season, Kudus is worth backing to dent Uruguay's qualification hopes.

Key stat

Ghana have scored five goals from just six shots on target at this tournament.

Team news

Ghana
The Black Stars have no reported injury problems so could name the same 11 who beat South Korea.

Uruguay
Maxi Gomez could start up front alongside Darwin Nunez with veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani on the bench. Defender Ronald Araujo is unlikely to be risked.

Probable teams

Ghana (4-2-3-1) Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah; Partey, Abdul Samed; Kudus, A Ayew, J Ayew; Williams

Uruguay (3-5-2) Rochet; Gimenez, Godin, Coates; Varela, Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino, Olivera; Nunez, Gomez

Inside info

Ghana

Top scorer in probable team Andre Ayew
Star player Thomas Partey
Penalty taker Andre Ayew
Assist ace Andre Ayew
Set-piece aerial threat Inaki Williams
Card magnet Mohammed Salisu

Uruguay

Top scorer in probable team Jose Gimenez
Star player Federico Valverde
Penalty taker Darwin Nunez
Assist ace Federico Valverde
Set-piece aerial threat Diego Godin
Card magnet Rodrigo Bentancur

Ghana v Uruguay Bet Builder

Over 4.5 cards
Ghana's first two games have produced ten yellow cards and they are fired up to avenge their 2010 defeat to Uruguay
Ghana or draw double chance
The Black Stars have shown their attacking quality in Group H and can rattle the odds-on favourites
Both teams to score
Uruguay must adopt a less cautious approach and that could lead to an entertaining contest

Price guide 9-2 with bet365

Match information

Stadium Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Fifa rankings Ghana 61, Uruguay 14
Weather Sunny, 26C

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