NOT much football on Thursday, but we did find one game for Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) to look at.
Uruguay v Costa Rica | Thursday 23:00
Hey remember, these sides met in the World Cup back in June? Great memories eh? It all seems a lifetime ago as I type during this cold November day. Let's not underestimate the significance of that game though.
Costa Rica's surprise 3-1 win set them on the way to a memorable Quarter-Final appearance, while Uruguay looked limp without Luis Suarez. That was a theme that bookended their disappointing tournament. Since their World Cup exit at the hands of Colombia, Uruguay are unbeaten in four with their focus firmly on the 2015 Copa America.
Since returning to their homeland as heroes, Costa Rica have kicked on with admirable glee. They managed to defend their Copa Centroamericana title in the United States in September, and overall have four post-World Cup wins out of five.
Two sides in form then. In these kind of games it's always worth checking the friendly form of both these teams, and it's Uruguay that come out on top. Their last friendly defeat was February 2013 when they lost to the then world champions Spain in Doha. Since then they've gone nine friendly games unbeaten, winning seven of them. France and Japan (twice) were among the victims.
With the extra spice of their June defeat added, this looks a Uruguay win. But I won't get rich backing them at best-price 8/13 with William Hill, so instead I'll go for an odds-against shot. I've got confidence in the ability of Costa Rica to notch here. The side must be on such a high after their World Cup performance and Copa Centroamericana success and I think that can translate here.
I'll back Both Teams To Score at 11/10 with Ladbrokes. Yes, Uruguay have a curmudgeonly defence, but this Costa Rica side will be eager to build on their superb 2014.
Best Bet
Uruguay v Costa Rica – Both Teams To Score (11/10 Ladbrokes)
