Probable Lineups

4-3-2-1
4-2-3-1
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(5) 4 Goals 0 (4)
(4) 3 Assists 4 (4)
(6.7) 7 Average Ratings 6.5 (6.5)
29.7 Average Age 29.7
180 Average Height (cm) 182.6
(1.7) 1.9 Shots pg 1 (1.2)
(45%) 49% Aerial Duel Success 63% (54%)
(1.3) 1.1 Dribbles pg 1.4 (0.9)
(2.2) 2.1 Tackles pg 1.5 (1.4)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in EURO Grp. A.

Missing Players

No missing players.
Player Reason Status Rating
Milan Baros Doubtful 6.23

Team News

  • Sporting Lisbon's Marat Izmailov was the only slight injury concern coming into the tournament but he is back in full training and will vie for a starting berth with youngster Alan Dzagoev, alongside captain Arshavin.
  • The more mobile option of Alexander Kerzhakov looks favoured over Pavlyuchenko and Pogrebnyak up front.
  • The only other position that may be up for grabs is a place between the posts, with Akinfeev hoping to stave off competition from Malafeev despite training separately from the group with a knee problem over the weekend.
  • The Czech's will be relieved that playmaker Tomas Rosicky has overcome any injury concerns prior to the tournament to be in contention and he should start in behind the striker as he did in the last half of the season to great effect with Arsenal.
  • Striker Milan Baros, however, does have a muscular problem and underwent a scan on Wednesday as a precaution, with the likes of Necid and Pekhart in reserve.
  • Other key players will include experienced internationals such as Cech, Kadlec and Plasil, with the winger spots potentially the only ones up for grabs.

Prediction

  • Russia will probably go into what is undoubtedly seen as the weakest group at the tournament as the favourites to progress, though every game is likely to be extremely tight, with this one no different.
  • Both of these teams are very experienced at this level, and both managers will be looking to their creators in attacking midfield to spark some magic that could decide this game.
  • As is customary on the opening day of such a big tournament, the match could be an edgy encounter at first and will be decided by the team that settle into their style of play the quickest, and Russia will hope to impose themselves on the group with a win here.
Prediction:
2
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