Uruguay predicted lineup vs Brazil: Copa America 2024
- Uruguay topped Group C with nine points vs the USA, Panama and Bolivia
- Marcelo Bielsa might have to make one change due to an injury
- LAFC's Cristian Olivera could replace the injured Maxi Araujo on the left-wing
Uruguay return to action this weekend to take on Brazil in the Copa America quarter-finals at Allegiant Stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa's team made light work of their Group C opponents, taking down USA, Bolivia and Panama en route to a first-place finish in the group.
Now, Uruguay face another test against a different animal -- Brazil. Bielsa will more than likely stick to his preferred 4-3-3 setup but will be forced into one change from the lineup that picked up three points vs the USMNT. As Maximiliano 'Maxi' Araujo is likely to miss the rest of the competition with a head injury, Bielsa could look to Cristian Olivera to slot in at the left-wing position.
Here's how Uruguay could line for their semi-final showdown vs Brazil.
Uruguay predicted lineup vs Brazil ( 4-3-3 )
GK: Sergio Rochet - The veteran shot-stopper has conceded just one goal in three starts thanks in part to his rock-solid backline.
RB: Nahitan Nandez - Nandez keeps his place in the backline after a string of solid performances in the side.
CB: Ronald Araujo - The Barcelona defender has been one of the best center-backs in the competition up until this point.
CB: Mathias Olivera - Bielsa will hope that he won't have to rely on Oliver to score the winning goal vs Brazil.
LB: Matias Vina - He was substituted off with roughly 20 minutes to go vs the USMNT with a slight knock but should be good to go this weekend.
CM: Manuel Ugarte - One of the Uruguay's most important players anchors the middle of the park.
CM: Nicolas de la Cruz - The Flamengo player will look to play in the likes of Oliver and Pellistri behind the Brazil defense.
CM: Federico Valverde - The Real Madrid midfielder will have his work cut out for him alongside Ugarte against the talented Brazil midfield.
RW: Facundo Pellistri - Pellistri continues to get chances in Bielsa's side and has impressed thus far at Copa America.
ST: Darwin Nunez - Nunez will be eager to add to his two goals scored at Copa America to give his team the best chance at advancing to the semi-finals.
LW: Cristian Olivera - With Maxi Araujo injured, the LAFC winger gets a chance to show his quality in the Uruguay attack.