By Amanda Langell
Uruguay's predicted lineup against Canada at Copa America 2024 features several players who need to prove themselves to Marcelo Bielsa after a disappointing semi-finals result.
Uruguay had high hopes to face Argentina in the Copa America 2024 final on July 14, but La Celeste could not get past Colombia in the semi-finals. Nestor Lorenzo's squad had ten men for over 50 minutes, and yet Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez, and co. could not find a goal. Now, Uruguay must settle for a third place match against Canada.
Marcelo Bielsa has plenty of decisions to make come Saturday. With multiple injuries to his backline, suspensions, and more, the manager will have to put out a lineup that does not include some of his must trusted players.
Here's what Uruguay's starting XI could look like against Canada on July 13.
Uruguay predicted lineup vs Canada ( 4-2-3-1 )
GK: Sergio Rochet - Rochet has only conceded two goals at Copa America 2024, keeping three clean sheets.
RB: Nahitan Nandez - Nandez will return to Marcelo Bielsa's starting XI after serving his one-game suspension in the semi-finals.
CB: Jose Maria Gimenez - Gimenez will get his second consecutive start this summer in place of the injured Ronald Araujo.
CB: Sebastian Caceres - With so many injuries plaguing Uruguay's back line, Caceres could get the nod at center-back while Mathias Olivera moves over to left-back.
LB: Mathias Olivera - If Matias Vina's injury is still keeping him on the bench come Saturday, then expect Olivera to once again slot in at left-back in his place.
DM: Federico Valverde - Uruguay will look to Valverde to help create their first goal in the knockout rounds in their final match.
DM: Manuel Ugarte - Ugarte is one of the most underrated players for Uruguay, always tracking back on defense and covering for Valverde when the Real Madrid player wants to spring forward.
RM: Facundo Pellistri - Pellistri had a rough game against Colombia, and the Manchester United man will look to bounce back against an inferior opponent.
AM: Giorgian De Arrascaeta - Without Nicolas de la Cruz available, De Arrascaeta will likely get his second start of the tournament.
LM: Maximiliano Araujo - Araujo recorded two goals and one assist in the Copa America 2024 group stage, but has been quiet in the knockout rounds. Expect the Uruguayan to find plenty of success against a weakened Canadian backline.
ST: Darwin Nunez - Nunez has struggled to score in the knockout stages, but the Liverpool striker has a great opportunity to end his tournament on a high against Jesse Marsch's side.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Uruguay predicted lineup vs Canada: Copa America 2024.
