- Uruguay have won four, drawn four and lost two of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Saudi Arabia have won three, drawn three and lost four of their last ten games in all competitions.
- Uruguay have conceded 1.29 goals per game on average in their away games across all competitions.
Tactical clash in Miami Stadium
This opening clash of FIFA World Cup Group H at the Miami Stadium on Monday could be a significant tactical clash between the ultra-aggressive Uruguay and the more compact and reactive Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia are a lower-tempo, compact side that prefers to soak up pressure and strike on the counter.
If they win the ball back in the opposition half, they can transition quickly to attack with their host of dynamic attackers and midfielders.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has stamped his unique philosophy onto the side, demanding high-intensity, front-foot pressing from all ten outfield players. Uruguay will always try to dictate the tempo and force the opposition into turnovers, but that can leave them open at the back.
Saudi's play slow, compact football
The Saudi side are almost the opposite in every respect, playing at a slower pace and with a compact structure. Georgios Donis is a pragmatic manager that has recently taken charge of the team and has implemented a compact tactical approach.
They will sit deep, soak up pressure and try to spring attacks through disciplined midfield screens and quick transitions. Abdullah Al-Hamdan is the creative player that can link and lead the team from deep, scoring two of their last five goals and giving the side a focal point to build around.
Uruguay are unbeaten in three with one win and two draws, but Saudi Arabia come into this game with a 3-0 win over Puerto Rico and a 0-0 draw with Senegal in their most recent two.
Los Dos Escualos will take control
Odds for Uruguay to win are 1.49. Saudi Arabia are not a bad side, but their form is mixed and they won't be able to play at Uruguay's intensity.
Uruguay can suffocate their opponents with their pressing style, while Saudi Arabia won't be as compact or as organised as they have been for the last few years under the new coach. We're going with Uruguay to take the three points and set the tone for the group.
There could be a few goals too. Over 2.5 goals comes in at 1.93, which is a short price but reflects the belief that this will be an open contest. Uruguay have let in 1.29 goals per away game across all competitions over the past year and although they are defensively disciplined, we can see Saudi Arabia breaking through at some point.
But as good as Saudi Arabia have been at home recently, averaging 0.25 goals scored and 1.50 goals conceded per game, they don't play at the same pace as Uruguay and won't get the ball as often as they do at Miami Stadium.
Both Teams to Score - No comes in at 1.7, but we're taking Uruguay's defensive discipline into consideration and believe Saudi Arabia will struggle to break down the visitors.
