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Day 1. Russia - Saudi Arabia

Pasamela!

Day 1.
Game 1.
Russia - Saudi Arabia 14th June 16:00
So, here it is.. The count down is over. The biggest sporting event on the planet will soon get under way! The opening fixture of the World Cup finals 2018. The hosts Russia will be desperate to prove a point on home soil, while the lowest ranked side in the tournament, Saudi Arabia, will be just as eager to ensure they don't lose, in what could be their only chance of picking up points in these finals.
Man Utd trainee Al-Sahlawi



 Ones To Watch:
Despite being World Cup minnows, Saudi Arabia may have one shining star. Forward Al-Sahlawi has not only fired himself to a better goals per minutes ratio in qualification than the likes of Neymar and Ronaldo but he also trained and trialed with British giants Manchester United earlier this year. The Al-Nassr striker has 28 in 40 for Saudi Arabia, and will be hoping this tournament will prove his goal scoring abilities outside of the Middle East.
107th Cap for Akinfeev
Hosts Russia have a man more than capable of unlocking a few defences. Despite never fulfilling his potential at the Real Madrid youth academy, Denis Cheryshev, the Villarreal winger, will be itching to re announce himself on the biggest stage and could be the man to inspire the hosts into the last sixteen. Igor Akinfeev will be as vital as ever for Russia, and will be hoping to mark his 107th cap with another clean sheet, but with a new look defence in front of him for this tournament, one will have to wait and see how the hosts fare without being tested in qualification. Russia have lacked goals in recent tournaments, with just two in both Euro 2016 and World Cup 2014. However, since their disappointing Euro 2016 campaign, striker Fyodor Smolov has netted 52 times from just 73 games for Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, and should carry on his incredible form into the tournament.

Pre Match Predictions:
On form Smolov
 Keeping in line with the pre tournament predictions, it’s hard to see Saudi finding a way through many defences in this tournament and with their first opponents being Russia, they won't be getting much help from the stands. Russia will come out of the blocks and will be keen to show their home fans what they can achieve on home soil. Pressure is certainly on the hosts, but they should have more than enough to get past a weak Saudi Arabian eleven.

Best Bets: Russia to Win to Nil - EVENS (bet365)
Fyodor Smolov to Score - EVENS (bet365)
@andy_hayden
@james_lovatt

Comments

  1. Unknown13 June 2018 at 09:11

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