Portugal v Uruguay predictions: Sky Blues to edge out Iberians

Diego Alonso's men can repeat victory from four years ago

Federico Valverde was excellent for Uruguay in the draw with South KoreaCredit: Lionel Hahn

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

Where to watch

ITV1, 7pm Monday

Best bet

Uruguay
1pt 16-5 bet365

Portugal looked disjointed at times in their 3-2 win over Ghana and Uruguay are a step up in class on those opponents. Take the Sky Blues to repeat their victory over Fernando Santos's men from four years ago.

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Match preview

Uruguay beat Portugal 2-1 in the World Cup round of 16 in Russia four years ago and a repeat result is fancied when the two sides meet in Qatar.

Portugal were somewhat fortunate to get three points from their 3-2 win over Ghana and they may not be as lucky when they face the South Americans in their second encounter.

The Iberians were the beneficiaries of a questionable penalty decision to open the scoring before a late slip when Inaki Williams had ghosted in behind goalkeeper Diogo Costa ensured the tie went the way of the Portuguese.

Uruguay are a step up on Ghana in terms of quality and could make an underwhelming Portugal pay.

The Sky Blues were held to a goalless draw by South Korea in their opener but should come on for that performance and have the individual quality to pose plenty of problems to Fernando Santos’s men.

Federico Valverde has had an outstanding campaign for Real Madrid this season and continued that form into the World Cup, picking up the Player of the Match award against South Korea.

Luis Suarez had a disappointing first game, however, and Edinson Cavani will be pushing to start in his place.

Goals were a problem for Uruguay in qualifying, they scored just 22 in 18 games, which is something of a surprise given the attacking talent at their disposal.

Despite that they have been rock solid defensively since new manager Diego Alonso took over, conceding only twice in his ten games in charge.

They face a Portugal side who struggled at times against Ghana and look a team that is not the sum of its parts.

Dangerous wideman Rafael Leao started on the bench against the Black Stars but may feature from the beginning here given he netted when coming on.

Cristiano Ronaldo took the Player of the Match award but at times the lack of recent game time for the currently unattached forward looked evident and his off-the-ball work is not up to the level of some of his teammates.

Joao Cancelo also disappointed in the opener and Uruguay may look to target the Manchester City full-back.

Uruguay will take plenty of confidence from what looked at times to be an open Portuguese backline and by contrast, their rock-solid defensive solidity may see them take all three points in this crucial Group H clash.

Key stat

Uruguay have conceded only twice in ten games under new manager Diego Alonso.

Team news

Portugal
Rafael Leao may be pushing for a start after scoring from the bench against Ghana.

Uruguay
Ronald Araujo remains out with an abductor injury, Edinson Cavani may replace Luis Suarez.

Probable teams

Portugal (4-3-3) Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pereira, Guerreiro; Silva, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes, Ronaldo, Leao

Uruguay (4-3-3) Rochet; Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera; Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino; Pellistri, Cavani, Nunez

Inside info

Portugal

Top scorer in probable team Cristiano Ronaldo
Star player Cristiano Ronaldo
Penalty taker Cristiano Ronaldo
Assist ace Bruno Fernandes
Set-piece aerial threat Cristiano Ronaldo
Card magnet Bruno Fernandes

Uruguay

Top scorer in probable team Edinson Cavani
Star player Fede Valverde
Penalty taker Edinson Cavani
Assist ace Fede Valverde
Set-piece aerial threat Diego Godin
Card magnet Rodrigo Bentancur