Bolivia vs Uruguay Prediction: Bielsa to struggle at world’s highest stadium?

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay fell to a 1-0 defeat against World Cup holders Argentina on Friday, and now they face a gruelling test away in El Alto, to take on Bolivia (20:00). Just outside La Paz, it’s one of the highest cities in the world and Bolivia make the most of the altitude, having now won four and drawn one of their last five home fixtures. 

Below you can find my Bolivia vs Uruguay predictions featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

Bolivia boss Oscar Villegas is likely to start with a similar line-up to the one that played against Peru, barring any late shocks. Henry Vaca and Jeyson Chura are unavailable due to injury and Guillermo Viscarra is set to play in goal again despite conceding three in the recent qualifier.

Football Odds

The focus will be on Santos’ Miguel Terceros to provide the goals once more, as after his strike v Peru, only Lionel Messi has outscored him in qualifying, with Tuesday’s opponent Darwin Nunez level with him on five.

Uruguay’s squad is incredibly strong but Bielsa has a few injury concerns. Giorgian De Arrascaeta is expected to miss the game after being substituted in the first half against Argentina with an issue so his Flamengo teammate, Nicolas de la Cruz, could start in his place. Alternatively, Nahitan Nandez could come into midfield and former Manchester United man Guillermo Varela could play at right-back. 

Facundo Pellistri, who recently returned from injury, made his first start in six weeks against Argentina but he may drop out for Brian Rodriguez who replaced him before the hour mark. The talented midfield duo of Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde should continue in the engine room. 

Bolivia vs Uruguay Odds

Bolivia have been installed as the favourites to win this game, priced at 23/20 to do so. That gives them an implied win probability of 46%, while Uruguay can be backed at 11/5 to secure an impressive away success. A draw is up at 21/10, while over 2.5 goals is priced up at 6/5 having come in during the last four Bolivia matches.

BTTS is fancied at 5/6, while Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is the favourite to score first at 11/2. 

Bolivia to win @ 23/20

Uruguay has a history of poor results in La Paz, having lost 3-0 in their last match there in 2021 and 4-1 in 2012. This suggests that their upcoming trip to Bolivia could be more than challenging, while Bolivia’s recent move to Estadio Municipal de El Alto - the highest football stadium in the world with a capacity of more than 10,000 seats - makes life even more difficult for visiting teams. 

Bolivia’s away record is poor and they went 67 matches without an away win in World Cup qualifying before a shock win over Chile last year, but on home soil they are a different beast. Clearly Uruguay are the stronger team in terms of individuals, but you simply have to side with Bolivia at this stadium given they’ve already beaten Venezuela and Colombia here. 

Altitude beats talent every day of the week and I just don’t see how Uruguay’s stars will be able to cope with the toughest away test in world football.

Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5

The high altitude may lead to a slightly slower game, especially from Uruguay, but I think there is way too much talent on show for this to be a low-scoring affair. Bolivia’s recent matches have had plenty of goals in them, home and away, with each of their last four containing over 2.5 goals.

They lost 3-1 at Peru last time out but their last home game was that pulsating 2-2 draw with Paraguay in which both teams were reduced to 10 men. Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Argentina was about as tight as we all expected, and they will want to open up a bit more against Bolivia - a side that they beat 5-0 back in June. The altitude will play a part but I think we will see goals. 

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.