Uruguay vs Spain Predicted Lineups & Team News

Uruguay and Spain meet in Zapopan in the early hours of Saturday morning (1am, BST) with both teams aiming to make it to the World Cup knockouts.

La Roja are in the driving seat and need just a point to go through, while La Celeste will progress should they win. A draw for Uruguay could also be enough but it depends on the outcome of Cape Verde's clash with Saudi Arabia. Here's all the Uruguay vs Spain team news, key players and predicted lineups ahead of the game.

Uruguay

Ronald Araujo is yet to appear at the World Cup for Uruguay due to a calf issue and the Barcelona defender has been ruled out of the final group game. Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has also been sidelined with a calf problem.

Centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez has not featured for La Celeste at the tournament so far, but could come in to make his first start.

Striker Darwin Nunez will hope to return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench against Cape Verde. The former Liverpool striker came on with 20 minutes remaining but was unable to find a winner.

With La Celeste expected to go with one upfront supported by two wide players, Marcelo Bielsa could give Nunez the nod ahead of Federico Vinas who led the line last time out.

Federico Valverde is expected to play alongside Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur in a three-man midfield after Bielsa opted for a four-man set-up in their opening game.

Spain

Liverpool new boy Victor Munoz is unavailable due to a muscle injury, but the winger has returned to individual training.

Nico Williams played the last half an hour against Saudi Arabia and could be handed a place in the starting XI against Uruguay.

Alex Baena is expected to make way, dropping back down to the bench, while Ferran Torres may also be used as a substitute having started the opening game against Cape Verde.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz may also return to the starting XI, replacing Dani Olmo in the centre of the park.

Pedro Porro will hope to keep his place at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente.

Uruguay vs Spain Key Players

Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Real Madrid midfielder Valverde is the heartbeat of Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay team, providing high energy and covering plenty of ground.

Valverde was deployed on the right in the opening game against Saudi Arabia, but struggled to have an impact away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

However, returning to the middle of the pitch for the game with Cape Verde, Valverde was able to exert more control and influence and will relish coming up against Spain in Zapopan.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reinforced their legendary status at this World Cup and Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have been among the goals, Lamine Yamal is the star name for the future who is already doing the business for Spain.

The Barcelona wonderkid, who had been sidelined since April with a hamstring problem, came on for the final 20 minutes against Cape Verde and started against Saudi Arabia, opening the scoring after only 10 minutes in a 4-0 win.

Still 18 and turning 19 the day before the first semi-final, the Barca star will hope to lead his nation to the final four and beyond.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com