The host nation got their campaign off to the perfect start at the weekend, beating rank outsiders New Zealand by two goals to nil in Saint Petersburg. It was an accomplished performance from the Russians, who overcame fears that they would struggle to break down a sturdy and resolute defensive unit by scoring in both halves. There is still plenty of work to be done if Stanislav Cherchesov’s charges are to make it out of a tough group, though: a point against Portugal would probably be considered a good result, but it would leave Russia needing another positive outcome when they lock horns with Mexico on Saturday.
Fernando Santos’ men were held to a 2-2 draw by the Mexicans on Sunday, when Hector Moreno headed an equaliser past Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio in second-half stoppage time. A stalemate was a fair result, however, with the European champions far from their best in a number of areas across the pitch. An improvement in performance will be necessary if the Portuguese are to go all the way this summer, although some fans are hoping that their sluggishness against Mexico will result in Santos making changes to the line-up for Wednesday’s meeting with the hosts.
Russia will probably stick with the same setup they employed against New Zealand, although the two wing-backs – Alexander Samedov and Yuri Zhirkov – in their 3-5-2 formation may take up more conservative roles. Central midfield trio Alexandr Erokhin, Denis Glushakov and Aleksandr Golovin will have to be at the top of their game to contain their opponents in the middle of the park, while Fyodor Smolov will be relied upon for goals at the top of the pitch.
Santos could ring the changes after some surprising decisions against Mexico, when Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Adrien Silva were all left out of the starting XI – the former did not even make it off the substitutes’ bench at any stage. Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes has had a disappointing season and could drop out of the team, but William Carvalho will again be a key figure in the centre of the park. Star man Cristiano Ronaldo started up front in a 4-4-2 configuration last time out and will probably do the same again here.
Taking everything into account, it is probably worth backing Portugal to get the better of Russia at the Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow. The latter turned in a better performance than the former in the opening round of matches, but Santos has far more quality at his disposal and that should prove decisive in this pivotal head-to-head.
A Portugal win with both teams to find the back of the net therefore looks like a good betting choice here, while Andre Silva would be a leading contender to score anytime. Another option worth considering is a 3-1 victory in the correct scoreline market, where favourable odds are offered across the board.
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