The most interesting South American clash in the November FIFA dates takes place at the Emirates, where Uruguay take on Brazil.
It is a meeting of the continent’s best two teams in the recent World Cup – both reached the quarter finals – and two of the favourites for next year’s Copa America.
Brazil are without some important players – Phillippe Coutinho, Marcelo and Casemiro have all pulled out injured.
Uruguay, meanwhile, should have Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in action together for the first time since the World Cup win over Portugal.
But at the other end of the field they are full of holes; goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in injured, as are the fine centre back combination of Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez, plus their immediate reserve Sebastian Coates.
Left back Marcelo Sarrachi has been forced to withdraw, along with former Middlesbrough striker Cristian Stuani.
And a couple of midfielders, Nahitan Nandez and Camilo Mayada, are tied up with the Boca Juniors-River Plate grand final of the Copa Libertadores.
A couple of centre backs have been called up at the last minute.
Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez will have to path together a makeshift defence against highly dangerous opponents.
He will look to his talented young midfielder to rise to the occasion – protecting the back four, holding controlled possession, and creating for Cavani and Suarez. Tabarez, then, is likely to pile plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of Lucas Torreira.
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He will expect the Arsenal midfielder to bestride the Emirates pitch likes he owns the place.
It is only this year that Torreira broke into the Uruguay side.
Back in March the team beat the Czech Republic and Wales to lift the China Cup.
Torreira played his first two games for his country, coming off the bench and looking instantly at home.
He made a substitute appearance in the World Cup warm up match at home to Uzbekistan.
And it was in Russia where he really began to show his worth.
Uruguay’s opening two wins, against Egypt and Saudi Arabia, were laboured affairs. Their 4-4-2 system was looking too rigid.
Torreira came in on the second half of both games, and the side was greatly improved in the next match, a 3-0 win over Russia, when Torreira came in from the start.
With the extra man in midfield, Uruguay’s game started to flow.
Against Russia, Portugal and even in defeat against France, Torreira displayed the virtues which have made him such a success in the Premier League; like a little PAC-MAN, he seems to eat up problems all over the field.
Just 11 caps into his international career, Torreira already looks like part of the furniture with Uruguay, linking up with Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur to form one of the most promising midfield trios around.
Friday is a big test.
With Suarez and Cavani in harness, there are opportunities in front of him. With their entire defensive unit out of action, there are holes behind. Uruguay trust that Lucas Torreira can plug the gaps.
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