Russia can all but book their place in the World Cup knockout stages when they take on Egypt at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday.
The hosts recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s opening match, putting them in a strong position at the top of Group A.
Latest Odds
With Uruguay also most likely to take maximum points against the Asian underdogs in the other match day two clash, Stanislav Cherchesov’s team are available at 23/20 (2.15) with bet365 to claim a win that could see them go through with a game to spare.
A late set piece goal saw the Pharaohs come away with nothing in their opening game against Uruguay, although they are available at 29/10 (3.90) to give themselves a real chance of progression by coming out on top here.
Getty ImagesA draw would leave both teams’ prospects hanging in the balance, and you can get odds of 9/4 (3.25) on them cancelling each other out.
Team News
Alan Dzagoev remains sidelined with the hamstring injury that saw him withdrawn against Saudi Arabia, allowing another chance for his replacement Denis Cheryshev to shine following a two-goal performance as a substitute.
Kept on the bench against Uruguay as he recovers from the shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League final, star man Mohamed Salah is set to be unleashed by Hector Cuper in this clash.
Salah effect
After scoring just a single goal in five matches without Salah, the Africans will be desperate to see the Liverpool man back on the pitch in Saint Petersburg.
Having failed to find the net just once in their last nine matches with the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner in the line-up, Egypt will certainly back themselves to cause some problems for an opposition defence whose clean sheet against Saudi Arabia was a first in 11 fixtures.
Predictions
Nevertheless, their five star performance in the opening clash should give Russia confidence to join their opponents on the scoresheet, with odds of 21/20 (2.05) well worth backing on both teams getting on target.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Both teams to score at 21/20 (2.05) for a 2pt stake with bet365