Egypt vs Uruguay - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 14/06/2018

Egypt vs Uruguay - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

June 15, 2018 14:00pm - Central Stadium

World Cup Russia 2018 - Group A

Egypt will end their 28-year absence from the World Cup finals when they take on Uruguay in Yekaterinburg on Friday, buoyed by the news that Mohamed Salah is fit for selection. Meanwhile, Uruguay will hope to maintain pace with hosts Russia who won their opener against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, cruising to a 5-0 victory.

After dislocating his shoulder in a clash with Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final, the Liverpool striker was expected to miss some if not all the tournament. However, a condensed recovery program has got him fit in time. Whether he will feature in the opener still remains to be seen but the team will be much weaker without out him.

The northeast African team have genuine hopes of making it to the knockout stages and a win on Friday could put them in a position to do so with Russia and Saudi Arabia still to play. The Pharaohs are coached by former Valencia boss Hector Cuper.

West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi will be tasked with dealing with Barcelona striker Luis Suarez. He enjoyed a bright start to life Premier League, scoring on his debut, but as the season went on his form dipped along with that of his team. A change of coach could not prevent the Baggies relegation to the Championship.

Uruguay finished second in their CONMEBOL qualifying group to qualify with relative ease. Last time out, they concluded their preparations with a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan. Driven by the firepower of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani, they will be hoping to top Group A.

Luis Suarez ended the season with 25 goals, the third-best in La Liga while strike partner Cavani netted 28 league goals for Paris Saint-Germain.

The side will be captained by Diego Godin who will line up alongside Atletico Madrid teammate Jose Maria Gimenez in the centre of defence.

Egypt probable XI:

El Shenawy, Ali Gabr, Hegazi, Fathi, Abdel-Shafy, Hamed, Elneny, Trezeguet, Said,Sobhi, Mohamed Salah.

Uruguay probable XI:

Muslera, Pereira, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres, Acosta, Bentacur, Vecino, Arrascaeta, Suarez, Cavani.

Recent Form (All comps)

Egypt: LDDLL

Uruguay: WWWLD

Betting odds and tips

Even if Salah plays, this will be a mammoth task for Egypt. Uruguay have some high pedigree players including a solid defensive unit and a lethal attack. The Egyptians will find it hard to create scoring opportunities while coping with the offensive threat of their opponents.

You can back Uruguay to Win to Nil at 13/10.

By Neil Morris