Russia vs Slovakia
We are back to three matches in the day in Euro2016 on Wednesday with all English and Welsh eyes likely to be on the opener as Russia take on Slovakia in Group B. These two sides disappointed in their opening matches and need to get going here to avoid struggling to qualify.
Russia got a last gasp goal to nick a point off of England in their opening match while Slovakia went down to Wales fairly late on so this has become a big match for both sides.
I thought Russia were terrible against England apart from maybe 10 minutes after half time and if England had won by a couple of goals nobody could have complained from the Russian side. If it wasn’t for Igor Akinfeev that is exactly what would have happened.
Given how late Russia equalised they probably felt like they beat England so their spirits should be high going into this match as long as they’ve not been affected by the nonsense the moronic section of their fans have been producing away from the football.
Key Man
Igor Akinfeev was in magnificent form in Russia’s opening match and if they are as bad here then his side will need him to be at his best once again. The goalkeeper is probably their most established player and will need to keep his concentration throughout this match.
There were parts of Slovakia’s defeat to Wales in their opening match that I was initially disappointed in but when you reflect on it in the cold light of day the opening goal was always going to be crucial and once Wales had got it after Marek Hamsik missed a golden chance to give it to Slovakia, the Eastern Europeans were always going to be up against it.
The manner of the Wales defeat will have disappointed Slovakia but having come all of this way in the tournament I’m sure they won’t be looking to leave it without having a really good go in this match so I’m expecting an improvement from them.
Key Man
Ondrej Duda had a big impact off the bench in the first game and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if he starts this match. If he can play to the same level and have the same impression on this match then he’s going to be a big player for the Slovakians.
Team News
Russia midfielder Denis Glushakov had 10 minutes from the bench against England on Saturday as he is returning from an injury and after three more days of training and recovery he could be ready for a starting spot.
Slovakia will surely being Duda into the game from the start. They will look to get Hamsik on the ball a lot more too so it will be interesting to see how they line up in attacking areas. Martin Skrtel faced no consequences of his horrible challenge in the Wales game so he’ll skipper the side again.
Head to Head
There have been eight matches between these two sides in the past. Russia were having a terrible time of it having won the first game but then failed to win in five matches. They have won the last two matches between them 1-0 though. Slovakia have two wins in those games and there have been three draws.
The last six matches have all ended under 2.5 goals with the scoreline either 1-0 to either side, 0-0 or 1-1 and with the way this one is set up that run could be extended.
Betting
I’m tempted by the unders here I have to say but having seen both defences in the opening matches I’m not going to get involved in it. I wouldn’t be surprised if goals are at a premium given the importance of the match but I’m not sure I want to be trusting these defences.
I’m happier trusting Slovakia especially on a handicap where we can get a nice line. Russia offered nothing in attack against an English defence that we all know is there for the taking so it might be that Slovakia are more comfortable defensively in this match and if they are that can give the attacking players a little more freedom to express themselves.
This Russian defence looked old and weak against England and I’m not sure what is going to change in a matter of days so I like the idea of Slovakia breaching it at some point in the afternoon. With that in mind I’m with them on the handicaps here.
Tips
WON – Back Slovakia (+0.25AH) to beat Russia for a 4/10 stake at 1.90 with Titanbet
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