The November international break concludes with this preview at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) hosts Uruguay. This fixture serves as a significant test for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who are looking to build on their recent momentum against top-tier South American opposition. The USMNT enters the game with renewed confidence after a string of positive results, including a recent win over Paraguay, while Uruguay remains a defensively stubborn unit under Marcelo Bielsa, having gone unbeaten in their last five outings.
The narrative of Pochettino facing his mentor Bielsa adds a fascinating tactical layer to this encounter. For bettors, this match preview highlights a contest that is likely to be tight and tactical rather than a high-scoring shootout. With the USMNT seeking revenge for their Copa América elimination by La Celeste earlier in 2024, and Uruguay proving difficult to break down even without some key stars, this game offers value in specific markets like total goals and handicaps.
USA vs Uruguay match preview
Team Recent Form
USA: W W D W L
The USMNT has found a rhythm under Pochettino, securing victories over Paraguay and Australia, and a draw against Ecuador, with their only recent blemish being a loss to South Korea in September.
Uruguay: D W W D W
La Celeste are in solid form, defensively impenetrable in recent months. They come off a 0-0 stalemate with Mexico, following wins against Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic, and a draw with Chile.
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Key Stats
- Defensive Iron: Uruguay has kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5 international matches, a testament to Bielsa’s organized pressing and defensive structure.
- Home Resilience: The USA is unbeaten in their last 4 matches against FIFA top-40 ranked nations, showing improved stability against quality opposition.
- Low Scoring H2H: The last four meetings between these two nations have all seen Under 2.5 Goals, suggesting matches between them are typically tight, cagey affairs.
Correct Score Prediction
USA 1-1 Uruguay
I anticipate a tactical deadlock between Pochettino’s possession-based approach and Bielsa’s high-intensity press. The USMNT has improved offensively with Gio Reyna finding form, but breaking down a Uruguay defense anchored by José María Giménez is a tall order. Uruguay, despite missing some star power in attack, remains dangerous on the break. A 1-1 draw seems a highly probable outcome as both managers might cancel each other out in a game where neither wants to lose momentum ahead of the World Cup year.
USA vs Uruguay H2H
- Recent Heartbreak: Uruguay won the last meeting 1-0 in the Copa América 2024 group stage, a result that eliminated the USA from the tournament on home soil.
- Tight Contests: Three of the last four matches between these sides have ended in draws or been decided by a single goal.
- Goal Drought: The USA has failed to score against Uruguay in their last two meetings (0-1 in 2024, 0-0 in 2022).
Pre-game Odds
- USA to win: 2.45
- Draw: 3.20
- Uruguay to win: 2.85
Odds are hypothetical and subject to change. For the best market value, I recommend checking the latest odds at Betano.
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Team News USA
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate his squad slightly given the short turnaround from the Paraguay match. Gio Reyna, who scored his first international goal in over 600 days last week, is likely to retain his place as the creative hub. Tanner Tessmann has impressed in midfield and should start again. However, the USMNT is still managing without several long-term absentees. Expect Haji Wright to potentially come into the attack to offer a physical presence against Uruguay’s center-backs, while Joe Scally continues to deputize in defense.
Team News Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s side arrives in Tampa without two of their biggest stars, Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde, who are not part of this squad. This puts more responsibility on the shoulders of midfield anchor Manuel Ugarte and Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur. Defensively, the partnership of Ronald Araújo and José María Giménez is world-class and will be the foundation of their lineup. Up front, with Núñez out, opportunities may fall to Federico Viñas or Facundo Pellistri to lead the line and exploit spaces on the counter-attack.
Predicted Lineups
USA predicted line-up: Freese; Scally, Robinson, Ream, Lund; Tessmann, Busio; Reyna, Aaronson, Pulisic; Wright.
Uruguay predicted line-up: Rochet; Nandez, Araujo, Gimenez, Olivera; Ugarte, Bentancur, De la Cruz; Pellistri, Viñas, B. Rodriguez.
USA vs Uruguay betting tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals
Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
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