Chile have lost their last four games consecutively, while Uruguay haven't won in their last five. The former have dropped out of the qualification places all together, and while the latter are still occupying a spot inside the top four, things are far from comfortable. Only two points separates fourth placed Uruguay from seventh placed Peru. Whoever loses here could find themselves in hot water.
Seen in recent years as two of the most dangerous South American teams , they have both struggled lately, despite their individual qualities. The last time these sides met in 2011, Uruguay had reached their peak. Fresh from success at the Copa América, La Celeste romped to a 4-0 win in Montevideo, with Luis Suárez netting all four goals. Just over a year on, and things look rather different, with Óscar Tabárez's side struggling to a draw against Paraguay in the last match.
The reign of new Chile boss -- the Bielsa-like Jorge Sampaoli -- got underway in an equally disappointing fashion, as Peru pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory last week. However, they are unbeaten in three at home, but are still without Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal through suspension. Marcelo Díaz will return from a ban, though playmaker Jorge Valdivia could be sidelined through injury. Nevertheless, with Edu Vargas impressing domestically in Brazil and Alexis Sánchez expected to start in attack, creativity won't be their top concern.
As for Uruguay, their disappointing performance against Paraguay will see Tabárez make changes -- albeit with some of them forced. Matías Aguirregaray and Egidio Arévalo Ríos will come in for the suspended Maximiliano Pereira and Diego Pérez, while Gastón Ramírez is expected to replace Cristian Rodríguez on the left of midfield. Despite their recent struggles, Edinson Cavani is expected to stay on the bench, with Diego Forlán starting.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday 26th March 2013 8:30 p.m. local, 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile
TV: beIN Sport en Español (U.S.)
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