Group A is one of the weaker World Cup groups in terms of potential winners, with 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay the shortest odds at 28/1 (29.0).
With the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani upfront, Oscar Tabarez’s men should have few problems coming out on top - as reflected in the 4/5 (1.80) price from bet365 on them to win the group.
Hosts Russia sit as second-favourites at 9/5 (2.80), whilst Egypt at 11/2 (6.50) and Saudi Arabia are out at a huge 40/1 (41.0) to land the top spot.
Although 4/5 (1.80) is a reasonable price that certainly looks set to pay off, better odds can be found by turning to the straight forecast market, which lets bettors back which two teams will qualify for the knockout stages in the same bet. To land, this bet requires predicting the exact order of the two teams finishing in the top two.
Uruguay to top the group and Egypt to finish second is offered at a tempting 7/1 (8.0) and with a lot of bookmakers overlooking the African nation, punters can capitalise.
Whilst Mohamed Salah may miss his country’s first match against Uruguay, the fact he should return for crunch clashes against hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia is crucial.
The Liverpool forward was Egypt’s top scorer in qualifying with five goals and has scored an astonishing 33 times in just 57 international matches – form which he will hope to carry over against two poor defensive sides.
Russia have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 matches, and a lack of competitive matches combined with the fact they have won just five of their last 26 games does not inspire promise in the hosts.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, conceded 15 times in Asian qualifying and have shipped a whopping 32 goals in their 13 World Cup matches throughout history, whilst tasting defeat in nine of those.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Group A Forecast: Uruguay/Egypt at 7/1 (8.0) for a 2pt stake with bet365