The second set of group matches at the Confederations Cup begin on Wednesday and it does so with the hosts Russia taking on the European champions Portugal in what looks a great match up in Group A in Moscow.
Russia were too good for a disappointing New Zealand in their opening match on Saturday while Portugal were held by Mexico in their first game on Sunday so both know a win here will have them in a great position to qualify.
Russia
There wasn’t a lot expected of the home side heading into the competition with some big players unavailable for this tournament but they got off to a very solid start beating New Zealand 2-0 and if they had their game face and ruthless streak on they could easily have won that one by a lot more than they did.
I actually enjoyed watching Russia in their first match and while it has to be said they go up a few degrees in class here their win will have given them plenty of confidence. One area they need to be solid at is in defence where they are up against some of the better players in Europe in this match.
Portugal
The European champions will go into this match annoyed that they didn’t hold on against Mexico in their first match. They led going into injury time in the second half but couldn’t keep the back door shut and were punished accordingly. That might have been the wake up call that they needed though in fairness.
One area where Portugal don’t struggle in fairness is at the other end of the pitch. They are scorers of plenty of goals these days despite some very conservative team selections by their coach. They had an abundance of top class attacking players on the bench on Sunday and that is never a bad position to be in.
Team News
Aleksandr Samedov is doubtful for this match for the home side so he could be replaced by Igor Smolnikov. Yuri Zhirkov looks like getting another game for the hosts.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos is expected to make a few changes but when you have the likes of Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Nelson Semedo among others to call upon that doesn’t mean they will be any weaker.
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Betting
I was amazed to look at the odds for this match and see Portugal at even money but I have no hesitation in snapping it up. I know Russia are at home and I know Russia won their opening match but they need to raise it and some to compete with a Portugal side who I expect to be much more at it in this one.
Cristiano Ronaldo has plenty of anger to take out on someone at the minute and with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva chomping at the bit to get in on the scene I just see Portugal having too much firepower for the tournament hosts.
Tips
WON – Back Portugal to beat Russia for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Paddy Power
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