Uruguay v Chile: Cracking World Cup qualifier combined XI
Published:
Holly Thackeray | November 17, 2015
Coral’s sublime South American XI featuring Uruguay and Chile
The 2018 World Cup qualifiers in South America are providing punters with a series of headline clashes this international break, and the next exciting installment pits defensively stubborn Uruguay against recent Copa America champions Chile.
So, Coral writers cracked their heads together to come up with a superb starting XI, which was pretty tough considering all the terrific and versatile talent available. Read on to find out who made the final cut…
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo (Chile)
Right back: Mauricio Isla (Chile)
It would be unfair to judge Juventus-owned defender Isla by his calamitous loan stint with QPR last season. The flying full back is a consistent performer for his country, providing vital width often as a wing back. Isla also nabbed the winner last time these two teams met and is 9/1 to notch again anytime.
Centre back: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Centre back: Gonzalo Jara (Chile)
Adaptable Mainz man Jara may be quite the contentious inclusion in this combined team, after an ill-advised poke on Edinson Cavani got the opposition striker sent off last time out. Yet, with Uruguay’s immensely talented Jose Gimenez injured and Sunderland’s Sebastian Coates far from convincing, experienced Jara is the best option.
Left back: Martin Caceres (Uruguay)
Right wing: Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Arsenal sensation Sanchez (21/10 to notch anytime) usually plays as part of a front pair for Chile, but is so adaptable he can operate anywhere in attack. We prefer the gung-ho Gunners goal threat providing thrust out wide, with his formidable mix of flair and feisty workrate.
Defensive midfield: Gary Medel (Chile)
Central midfield: Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Little needs to be said about our selection of this box-to-box dynamo, who has served as the inspirational lynchpin in Chile’s recent successes. Now at Bayern Munich, the superstar continues to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Left wing: Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Centre forward: Diego Rolan (Uruguay)
Another versatile forward here, Rolan is exciting enough to include in our XI, though nominally a striker he can also add exuberance from the wing. Still a developing talent tipped for greatness, we reckon Rolan has a higher ceiling than Hull City’s Abel Hernandez, who is currently beating him into the Uruguay XI up top. Middlesbrough menace Christian Stuani also just misses out.
Forward: Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
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