Team News: Uruguay make four changes for Group A clash with Russia

Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez has made four changes to his starting lineup for this afternoon's Group A showdown with World Cup hosts Russia.

Among those to drop out for La Celeste is experienced defender Jose Gimenez, who is suffering from a thigh injury, so in comes Martin Caceres alongside captain Diego Godin.

Tabarez has also tinkered with his tactical system, as Sebastian Coates is included from the off in what appears to be a 3-5-2 formation, spearheaded by prolific duo Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Arsenal-bound Lucas Torreira is drafted into a three-man central midfield alongside Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur, and there is also a start for Diego Laxalt at wing-back.

With top spot still up for grabs in Group A, Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov has made three alterations on the back of the 3-1 win against Egypt last time out.

Igor Smolnikov takes over from Mario Fernandez at right-back, while Yuri Zhirkov is replaced by Fyodor Kudryashov on the opposite flank.

Further forward, Aleksandr Golovin drops to the bench in favour of Aleksey Miranchuk for the youngster's World Cup debut.

Uruguay: Muslera; Caceres, Coates, Godin; Laxalt, Torreira, Vecino, Bentancur, Nandez; Suarez, Cavani Subs: Varela, Sanchez, Rodriguez, de Arrascaeta, Stuani, Campana, G.Silva, Gomez, Urretaviscaya, M.Silva

Russia: Akinfeev; Smolnikov, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kurdjasov; Zobnin, Gazinskiy; Samedov, Miranchuk, Cheryshev, Dzyuba Subs: F.Fernandes, Semenov, Kuzyaev, Smolov, Lunev, Granat, An Miranchuk, Golovin, Zhirkov, Gabulov, Erokhin

Follow all of the action as it unfolds at the Samara Arena with Sports Mole's live text coverage right here.