Uruguay vs France - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 06/07/2018

Uruguay vs France - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

July 06, 2018 15:00pm - Nizhny Novgorod Stadium

World Cup Russia 2018 - Quarter-final

France will face South America opposition for the third time in 2018 World Cup when they meet Uruguay at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The French team remain unbeaten after beating Australia and Peru and drawing against Denmark in the group stages before winning a 4-3 thriller against Argentina in the Round of 16. However, they now face their stiffest challenge yet against a team that has emerged as many peoples tip for the tournament.

Didier Deschamps men have not received many plaudits for the way they have played so far, but their progression to this stage has never really looked in doubt. And with such a wealth of talent at their disposal, they will start this game as favourites.

The single biggest criticism aimed at the French setup has been lack of team dynamic but that was less evident last time out with some sublime link-up play between Kylian Mbappe and his teammates on show.

Blaise Matuidi picked up his second yellow card against Argentina and is suspended for this clash paving the way for Corentin Tolisso to step in.

Meanwhile, Uruguay will be riding high after dumping European champions Portugal out of the tournament in the last round. The partnership between Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani really clicked in that game with the latter providing both goals, the first via a glorious assist from his strike partner.

La Celeste have a 100% record at this tournament but they could be hampered by the absence of Cavani who picked up an injury in the Round of 16 clash. If he does not make it, La Liga stars Cristian Stuani and Maxi Gomez will be waiting in the wings to offer support to Suarez. The Barcelona man has looked shaper with each passing game and could cause problems for the French defence on Friday.

If both teams hit their stride, we could be in for another thriller.

Uruguay predicted starting XI:

Muslera, Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Laxalt, Nandez, Torreira, Vecino, Bentancur, Stuani, Suarez

France predicted starting XI:

Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Pogba, Kante, Tolisso, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

Recent Form (All comps)

Uruguay: WWWWW

France: WDWWD

Betting odds and tips

With such attacking talent on display, expect both teams to score at least once in this match. And with so much at stake, the game could get nervy late on, so dont rule out the draw after 90 minutes.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 6/5 and a correct score on 1-1 at 6/1.

By Neil Morris