After consecutive comprehensive defeats on their travels, Uruguay will try to conquer their away struggles in the high altitude of La Paz when they take on Bolivia tonight as the South American 2014 World Cup qualifying competition enters its second half.

The reigning Copa America champions currently occupy the fourth and final automatic qualification spot for Brazil 2014, but find themselves level on points with fifth-placed Chile and just one ahead of sixth-placed Venezuela.

Having conceded seven goals in away defeats to Colombia (4-0) and Argentina (3-0), La Celeste’s defence will be stretched further in the Bolivian capital with captain Diego Lugano, Diego Godin and Martin Caceres all ruled out through suspension.

Oscar Tabarez’s side have collected just one point away from Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, but Benfica full-back Maxi Pereira says a victory is now essential.

“We have to win in Bolivia, there is no alternative,” he said.

Uruguay will have little time to adjust to the altitude – the Estadio Hernando Siles is some 3,600 metres above sea level – but Pereira says that can’t be used as an excuse.

“I played in the altitude in the last campaign, coming on in the second half. At first it sets you back a bit, but after you can bear it,” he said.

However, unlike Ecuador, who have turned their Quito stadium into a fortress, Bolivia’s home qualifying record is far less impressive with just one win from four matches.

Argentina can take another step towards clinching their place in the finals when they face a depleted Chile in Santiago.

Argentina, who lead the standings with 17 points, have injury concerns of their own after Gonzalo Higuain (hip) and Marcos Rojo (hamstring) were forced off during La Albiceleste’s 3-0 win over Uruguay.

However, Alejandro Sabella does have an in-form Lionel Messi at his disposal.

Fixtures

Bolivia vs Uruguay
Chile vs Argentina
Paraguay vs Peru
Venezuela vs Ecuador

Note: all late kick-offs.