First place is on the line Monday morning when Russia and Uruguay meet in the Group A finale at the Cosmos Arena in Samara. Despite trailing on goal differential – scoring just two compared to Russia’s eight – the Uruguayans are favored over their World Cup hosts.
Sportsbook at +145 at Sportsbook, Uruguay’s moneyline moved all the way to +170 after the announcement that star centerback Jose Gimenez would have to miss the match with a thigh injury. Manager Oscar Tabarez has yet to say who will fill his spot in the starting XI but whoever it is will most certainly be a downgrade.
- Uruguay has not conceded a goal in its last 5 matches in all competitions.
- Russia and Uruguay have been given just 2 total cards through their first 2 matches.
- Centerbacks have scored in 2 of Uruguay’s last 3 matches in all competitions.
Betting Odds for Uruguay vs Russia
Motivation in this match will be tough to handicap with Russia and Uruguay already assured safe passage to the knockout round but in a tournament like this, you never want to lose a game or let your foot off the pedal. Because of that, the odds are tight and the draw might be worth consideration at +205.
A pick on the spread, Uruguay is -125 chalk so if you’re nervous about this ending in a draw and you rate Uruguay as the better side, this might be the safer play as you’ll have your stake returned in the event of a tie.
A total of 2 will have punters looking strongly at the UNDER given Uruguay’s defensive prowess. That said, the Sky Blue backline will be severely handicapped with no Gimenez in the lineup and could be leaky against a Russian side that’s taken advantage of its chances.
Best Bets for Uruguay vs Russia
If you told me I could get a +160 Uruguay moneyline against Russia before this tournament started, I would have gone straight to the bank and asked how big a loan they could give me.
This feels like an excellent opportunity with Uruguay needing all three points as I have no doubt that La Celeste is the better team here.
I will also have a piece of UNDER 3 bookings at -130. These teams have been given just two total yellow cards through their first two matches combined and both sides will want to stay clean heading into the Round of 16.
No bookings is being offered at +1000 and that might be worth a punt as well.
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