Uruguay vs. Brazil: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview

The top two teams in CONMEBOL 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying will go head-to-head on Thursday, as Brazil attempt to increase their lead in the standings when they travel to Uruguay.

The hosts trail Brazil by four points and are expected to cruise to the finals, but following the defeat to Chile in November and with Argentina charging up the standings, Uruguay need a positive result.

Here's everything you need to know about Thursday's match.

Date: Thursday, March 23

Time: 11 p.m. GMT/7 p.m. ET

Venue: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo

Live Stream Info: BeIN Sports Connect, fubo.tv (U.S.)

Preview

The Estadio Centenario is one of the most iconic venues in South American football and a real nightmare for visiting teams historically. Brazil's record at the stadium is filled with upsets and disappointments―per FIFA's official website, they've claimed just two wins in official matches there.

Brazil's form suggests there's a good chance they'll add a third, though. Since the Copa America Centenario, the Selecao have won every match they've played, including victories over Argentina and Colombia.

DOUGLAS MAGNO/Getty Images

The visitors will travel to Uruguay with a ton of absentees, however. Douglas Costa and Gabriel Jesus are sidelined with injuries, Gabriel Barbosa's poor form saw him dropped and Alex Sandro was somehow passed over, despite his incredible form with Juventus.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro will be tasked with leading proceedings in the centre of the pitch, and as shared by Selecao Brasileira, he's determined to carry over his club form:

Up front, the duo of Neymar and Roberto Firmino will be the main danger men, while Philippe Coutinho will likely slot in behind the duo. The Liverpool star is struggling for form but often turns the corner on international duty.

Uruguay will be delighted with the form Edinson Cavani has mantained throughout the season. The Paris Saint-Germain striker has blossomed since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his subsequent move away from the wing.

He and Luis Suarez form arguably the most dangerous attacking duo in international football right now, but the latter will miss the match through suspension. Per Selecao Brasileira, Paulinho believes his absence is cancelled out by Jesus' injury:

With both teams sporting defences filled with stars and missing key attackers, fans could be in for a nervy and cautious affair in Montevideo. A draw would be a good result for either team, and don't be shocked if the two rivals refuse to go all out to secure a late win.