Costa Rica vs Uruguay Predictions

Uruguay endured a tough summer, exiting the Copa America at the last 16 stage following some mixed returns in the group. However, they head into this weekend’s friendly aiming to prove a point, especially with some of their big stars absent. They head to Costa Rica looking for a win on the road, which would silence those who think there’s little to Uruguay outside of their strikeforce. However, there are problems mounting for the hosts, so both sides will be out to prove themselves this week.

Costa Rica lost out in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup this summer, while they’ve had mixed results since their group stage exit at the last World Cup. They have an eye on the upcoming Concacaf Nations League, which is a chance for Costa Rica to make a mark in a competitive fixture once again. However, before that, they are meeting one of South America’s top sides.

Uruguay are warming up for the Copa America and warming down from the Copa America here. They were eliminated after just four games in Brazil, which left them mulling over a tough blow in their bid for continental silverware. However, the visitors have a rare chance to bounce back, thanks to the 2020 Copa America, which is being brought in to take the tournament in line with the European Championships, occurring two years after a World Cup. With no competitive games for Uruguay until 2020, their upcoming friendlies are all about the Copa.

This game is a test for Uruguay given the absence of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, with the pair pulling out of this squad. The duo are obviously a huge blow to their hopes of getting a win here, but this is a chance for the visitors to bring in some new options up top. They have the foundations already built-in defence and midfield, while up front they boast the likes of Cristhian Stuani and Maxi Gomez, while Darwin Nunez and Brian Rodriguez are young forwards looking to prove themselves.

We see Uruguay getting a result without their star duo, with Costa Rica losing eight of their last 14 games since the World Cup. They’ve lost three of their last four friendly outings, while Uruguay are unbeaten in seven, winning five of those. The visitors come here as well-priced favourites, while we think it is worth opposing the hosts, given their poor form over the last year. We’re going for a 10th friendly loss in 13 games for Costa Rica, while we’re backing a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors, who have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six.