Verdict: France
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
The 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts welcome the Euro 2016 hosts and finalists France with both teams looking to make final tweaks ahead of announcing the final squads for the big event later this year. Both sides are coming off from defeats in their last week’s friendlies and will be looking for an important morale boost.
Russia
Dealing with Brazil is never an easy affair but World Cup hosts were definitely hoping for more than a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.
Goals from Miranda, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho inside a 13-minute blitzkrieg were enough to see off Stanislav Cherchesov’s men in a rather compelling fashion. The Russia head coach should be complimented for his brave approach, however, and a competitive showing through energetic pressing that for a standout period seemed to be troubling the Selecao. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev made a string of great saves to keep the game goalless in the first half and provide hosts with a lifeline whereas Alan Dzagoev’s absence allowed Cherchesov to solidify the defensive support. In the end Russia were unable to match the movement of Brazil’s flying Douglas Costa and Willian which ended up costing them dearly. As one of the lowest-ranked sides heading into the FIFA tournament, Russia will find these last checks valuable but another compelling defeat could end up being a slap in the face with a demoralizing effect.
Team News
Spartak Moscow star Roman Zorbin is the latest player to be ruled out of Russia squad with a meniscus injury.
Daler Kuzyaev is unlikely to feature following a knock he picked up in training, whereas Alan Dzagoev is expected to return to the starting line-up after starting the Brazil match from the bench.
France
Les Bleus are bidding to bounce back following a 3-2 defeat to Colombia in Paris on Friday and will be highly motivated to feel the World Cup atmosphere against the tournament hosts.
France were cruising after less than half an hour against Colombia thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Thomas Lemar but Didier Deschamps had plenty to say following a completely different half completely dominated by Colombia. Luis Muriel pulled one back just before the break whereas Radamel Falcao levelled the score after the hour mark but the visitors latched on the momentum to earn their win after a late Quintero goal from the spot after a foul by Samuel Umtiti. Euro 2016 hosts and finalists are heading towards World Cup as one of the tournament favourites and will have to put up a much improved show in Russia to sign off the preparation period on a high note. Les Bleus boast formidable squad depth and pack an intense level of quality and excitement Didier Deschamps will need to find the best way to harness.
Team News
Marseille Winger Florian Thauvin has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury and did not travel to St Petersburg.
Didier Drogba was a notable absentee from the match against Colombia and is expected to be include this time out.
Key Factors to Consider
- France lost only their second home game in almost three years
- Russia is winless in last four matches
- Olivier Giroud scored 30 international goals for France
- Russian team failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 7 matches
- Paul Pogba is expected back in the squad after missing the Colombia match
Conclusion
World Cup hosts could end up paying a dear price for the lack of competitive football over the past two years following the Euro 2016 disappointment. France are one of the favourites to win the World Cup and will be a quality test for the tournament hosts who are unlikely to end their four-match winless run this time around.
Verdict: France
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
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