FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Russia vs Egypt Preview
St. Petersburg, Russia – Hosts Russia and Egypt come face to face as the second round of group games kick off this evening in St. Petersburg. Both sides come into the game after contrasting results in their opening games. This fixture could not have come at a better time as the hosts need just another win to seal themselves a spot in the Round of 16. Egypt, on the other hand, will look garner all three points in what serves as a must-win game.
Current Form:
Russia’s opening-day 5-0 victory against Saudi Arabia came on the back of a disappointing build-up to the World Cup, which saw them lose to Brazil, France and Austria and draw with Turkey. Egypt also endured a less than impressive build-up, but the 1-0 loss against Uruguay yielded promising signs.
Previous Encounters:
This is the first time that the two countries have met in any form of football, so it is set to be an exciting contest.
Team News:
With Mohamed Salah likely to return to the fold, Tarek Hamed also looks set to start for Egypt, despite having suffered a back injury against Uruguay. Russia meanwhile, will have to do without star midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who picked up a hamstring injury in the game against Saudi Arabia and is most likely to miss the remainder of the group stages.
Potential Lineups:
Russia (4-3-2-1): Igor Akinfeev; Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergei Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov; Roman Zobnin, Yury Gazinsky, Daler Kuziaev; Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Cheryshev; Fedor Smolov
Egypt (4-4-2): Mohammed El Shenawy; Ali Gabr, Ahmed Hegazy, Ahmed Fathi, Mohammed Abdelshafy; Tarek Hamed, Mohammed El Neny, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Abdullah Al Said; Mohammed Salah, Marwan Mohsen
Match Prediction:
The defeat to Uruguay leaves the Egyptians with only one option : To beat Russia. The Russians on the other hand will be looking to make the most of their opening day trashing of Saudi Arabia, knowing that a win will guarantee them a place in the Round of 16. However, with Salah returning, The Pharaohs will have an edge over the hosts.
Prediction: Russia 1-2 Egypt
