World Cup group A: Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia team news, kick-off time and TV channel
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez could win his 100th cap for his country
Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia
- When: Wednesday 20 June
- Kick-off time: 4pm
- Where: Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
- TV channel: live on BBC One
Luis Suarez is set to win his 100th cap for Uruguay in their World Cup group A clash against Saudi Arabia in Rostov-on-Don.
The Barcelona forward struggled to make an impact in Uruguay’s opening match against Egypt, which they won 1-0, and will hope to hit form against a struggling Saudi side.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Saudis were beaten 5-0 by host nation Russia in the opening match of the World Cup and may find it hard to contain a Uruguay attack featuring Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Goal.com predicts Uruguay will “run riot” at the Rostov Arena. Al Hain-Cole writes: “While Suarez in particular looked far from top form [against Egypt], the prospect of him and Cavani taking on this opposition defence is rather frightening. The Saudis seemed completely incapable of containing a relatively modest Russian outfit last week, lacking defensive shape and any answer to high balls into the box.”
It’s been a tough week for the Saudi squad. As well as the heavy defeat against Russia they also had issues with their flight to Rostov-on-Don when their plane’s engine caught fire.
Team news
Both nations have their full 23-man squads available to choose from, says Sports Illustrated, while The Daily Telegraph reports that Saudi coach Juan Antonio Pizzi could make a number of changes after the 5-0 thumping by Russia.
Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia predicted starting XIs
How the two teams could line up at the Rostov Arena, according to Fifa.com.
- Uruguay (4-4-2): Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Jose Maria Gimenez, Diego Godin, Martin Caceres; Nahitan Nandez, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Rodriguez; Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani
- Saudi Arabia (4-5-1): Mohammed Alowais; Mohammed Alburayk, Osama Hawsawi, Ali Albulayhi, Yasser Alshahrani; Salem Aldawsari, Abdullah Otayf, Salman Alfaraj, Taiseer Aljassam, Yahia Alshehri; Fahad Almuwallad
Group A results, fixtures and live TV channels
- Russia 5 Saudi Arabia 0
- Egypt 0 Uruguay 1
- 19 June: Russia vs. Egypt (7pm, BBC)
- 20 June: Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia (4pm, BBC)
- 25 June: Uruguay vs. Russia (3pm, ITV); Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt (3pm, ITV4)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
UK plans to expel spies from hostile states amid Russia-Czech explosion row
In the Spotlight Proposed foreign agent registration scheme will crack down on Russian and Chinese activities
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Last updated
-
Premier League 2020-21 predictions and odds: champions, top four, relegation
The Week Recommends A look at what the football media has to say ahead of the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich: Alphonso Davies expects a ‘goalfest’
The Week Recommends Key talking points ahead of the Champions League final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s ‘World Cup’: Pep Guardiola’s team bid for Champions League glory
The Week Recommends Sky Blues prepare for a potential three knockout games in eight days in Portugal
By Mike Starling Published
-
On the prowl for No.16: Tiger Woods is geared up for PGA Championship challenge
The Week Recommends First major of the year will be held behind closed doors at TPC Harding Park
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Players: a big opportunity awaits defending champion Rory McIlroy
The Week Recommends World No.1 golfer aims to become the first back-to-back winner of the PGA Tour’s flagship event
By The Week Staff Published
-
F1 Australian GP finally cancelled after McLaren withdraw
The Week Recommends McLaren team member tests positive for coronavirus
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Premier League: Man United maintain superiority over City
The Week Recommends Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side have beaten City three times this season, and result leaves Liverpool close to title
By The Week Staff Published