2014 World Cup Free Picks: Uruguay vs. England

3 p.m., Thursday, June 19 – Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

England are slight favorites at +160 while Uruguay is listed at +220. The draw can be had for +225 and the total for this important match is 2.5 goals.

Uruguay

Uruguay struggled mightily minus Luis Suarez in the team’s 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica. Another loss would knock them out of the tournament, so you’d have to assume the Liverpool forward would lace up his boots to face the country he plays his club football in.

England

Just the same, England can’t afford to lose. Even a draw is pretty much worthless for the English here. They did play some great, attacking football in a losing effort to Italy, and I expect more of the same. Youth rules, and that will dictate the team’s success the rest of the way it seems. Perhaps starting Adam Lallana or Ross Barkley will offer more of a lift.

Match Analysis

Neither team is going to hold any punches, as both countries are desperate for three points after each losing their respective World Cup openers. England need to shape up their defensive line, and so do Uruguay. I think we see some goals in this one.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Uruguay’s Maxi Pereira earned the World Cup’s first red card. He’ll automatically be suspended for the match against England. Also, keep an injury update on Luis Suarez and potentially Daniel Sturridge for team England.

Josh’s Pick

This pick depends on Luis Suarez’s participation, but either way he can’t be fit, otherwise he would have played in the first match when trailing to Costa Rica. I am going to assume he will play but won’t be 100 percent. England looked better in defeat, so bank on them being the ones to peg back with a victory here.

Doc’s Sports has full coverage of the 2014 World Cup and more articles throughout this summer’s major soccer tournament. Strike Point Sports is one of the top soccer handicappers with their success on the big tournament stage. From the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, SPS earned $100 clients over $8,200 in profit from these four major events. This summer’s World Cup is going to be another moneymaking opportunity, and they are looking forward to their soccer selections and another winning tournament.

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