Russia v Saudi Arabia betting tips, predictions, lineups and odds (World Cup - Group A - 14.6.2018)

Thursday, 14 June 2018 12:17
Written by David Bet

The 2018 World Cup curtain-raiser sees hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Who will win the first match of the World Cup? Read here our Russia vs Saudi Arabia betting preview with predictions, betting tips, probable lineups, team news, best odds, bookie promotions and no deposit free bets on the 2018 FIFA World Cup!

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Russia v Saudi Arabia betting preview

Russia managed to win only once in the last 11 matches

Russia come into their home World Cup as the lowest ranked side in the FIFA, 70th, and three positions lower than the next lowest ranked side, who happen to be Saudi Arabia. They have won just two of their last 11 games, failing to beat the likes Austria (0-1) and Turkey (1-1) in their most recent friendlies. The last time the Russians won an international match was in October of last year when they fended off a late rally from South Korea to win 4-2. They failed to record a victory in Russia four years ago and have not won a match at a major finals since Euro 2012. They conceded three goals in successive matches against Russia and France last March.

Krasnodar forward Fyodor Smolov is expected to lead the line alongside ALeksei Miranchuk as Aleksandr Kokorin is not a part of the team, as he is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Artem Dzyuba provide a further option in attack. In midfield, Erokhin, Golovin and Glushakov are likely to play in the middle of the park while Yuri Zhirkov and Aleksander Samedov should be the starting wing backs in a 3-5-2 system. At the back, Kutepov, Granat, Kudryashov should form the three man defense with veteran goalkeeper Akinfeev between the posts.

Saudi Arabia have sacked two managers in the last 10 months

Saudi Arabia stepped up their World Cup preparations in an international friendly with Italy, losing 2-1 with Yahya Al Shehri scoring their only goal. Since then, they lost 3-0 at the hands of Peru but limted a full strength Germany side to a 2-1 win on 8th June. The former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi is the third head-coach in the space of 10 months and he got little time to settle with the squad. Anyway, ten of their 23 man squad play for the same club, Al-Hilal, and this could be a massive advantage.

Top scorer Mohammad Al-Sahlawi is likely to start up front. He should be supported by Al Shehri, Al Jassim, Al Dawsari as offensive midfielders. The likes of Otayf and Al Khaibri are expected to feature from the off in the middle of the park. In defense, Pizzi is likely to choose Al Shahrani, Om. Hawsawi, Os. Hawsawi and Al-Harbi while Al Mosailem should get the nod over Al Maiouf as starting goalkeeper.

Russia v Saudi Arabia Starting Lineups

Russia (3-5-2): Akinfeev; Kutepov, Granat, Kudryashov; Samedov, Glushakov, Erokhin, Golovin, Zhirkov; Miranchuk, Smolov

Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Al Mosailem; Al Shahrani, Om. Hawsawi, Os. Hawsawi, Al-Harbi; Otayf, Al Khaibri;, Al Shehri, Al Jassim, Al Dawsari; Al Sahlawi

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Russia v Saudi Arabia Best Odds

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Russia v Saudi Arabia Betting Tips

Opening World Cup matches generally are very hard to predict but BetAndSkill's tipsters have deeply analysed all the key stats and info about this game! Find here our recommended bets on Russia vs Saudi Arabia. Back our betting tips as singles or combine them via a Request a Bet feature! Our experts bring you football predictions everyday, and we are sharing the best World Cup Group A predictions and World Cup betting tips throughout the tournament!

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