Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Friday provides football fans with three World Cup games that kick off with the second match in Group A as Egypt take on Uruguay. The game will be vital for both sides, as they look to get off to a good start, with both nations hoping they can progress from the group.
However, defeat will make progressing from the group a very tough challenge, which is why we could see a cagey opener with two sides not willing to take major risks. Yet, with quality attacking players such as Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and hopefully Mo Salah on the pitch, the chances could flow.
Here we will give you Egypt vs Uruguay betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and an Egypt vs Uruguay prediction for the big game.
Our Egypt vs Uruguay Prediction: Egypt 0-1 Uruguay
Our Egypt vs Uruguay prediction tips is for South American success.
This game will pit two defence-minded sides against one another and it could be moments of quality that decide the outcome. However, as we’ve said, there will be a lot of quality on the pitch with both sides boasting some real game changers.
For Egypt, the main man is obvious. But, with serious doubts over Salah’s participation in this game, following his Champions League final injury, you have to seriously favour Uruguay, who boast arguably the best forward partnership in the tournament in Cavani and Suarez.
The duo are relentless in their approach and clinical in front of goal, so even in a game low on clear opportunities, they may only need one to swing the result in Uruguay’s favour. Additionally, a mean defence, compromising of Atletico Madrid pair Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez will make it tough for Egypt, particularly if Salah isn’t 100% fit.
Our recommended tip – Uruguay to win to nil
First group games are notoriously tight and Salah’s fitness issues are a major blow for Egypt as even if he does play it’s hard to think he is match fit having missed all of their warm up games.
With that in mind, combined with a rugged Uruguayan defence, we are backing Uruguay to win to nil. Egypt will make it tough for the opposition and are very well organised and have a strong defensive shape. However, we will back Suarez or Cavani to unlock the defence at one stage in the 90 minutes to secure a low-scoring win for the South Americans.
Previous matches
This game in Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg, will be the first competitive match between the two sides which is perhaps unsurprising. That gives us little to go on when looking at their past records, although they did meet in a friendly once, back in 2006, with Uruguay coming through as 2-0 winners.
Both qualified for Russia with relative comfort, although Egypt needed a late goal to confirm progress, whilst Uruguay have won their three friendly games in 2018 and head to the tournament looking strong.
The same can’t be said for Egypt who haven’t won any of their five friendly encounters in this calendar year.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Mo Salah & Luis Suarez
These players won’t need any introduction as they are world-renowned superstars arriving at Russia on the back of formidable seasons.
That’s particularly the case for Salah, who ripped apart the Premier League with a remarkable campaign. Although, as we’ve stated, his inclusion in this fixture is doubtful and you can’t underestimate how big that is for Egypt.
He is their talisman, the best player and the chief attacking threat, responsible for taking them to Russia in the first place. If we knew he was out, Egypt vs Uruguay betting tips would be straightforward but if he plays Egypt certainly have a chance.
Meanwhile, an ex-Liverpool player will be the dangerman for Uruguay. Suarez is another who is known on the world stage, impressing with his movement, technique and ability in front of goal. Both he and Cavani are going to trouble every side they face in the competition and will be a huge threat to Egypt. He has delivered on the big stage throughout his career and you wouldn’t back against Suarez deciding this Group A opener for his country.
