2018 World Cup hosts Russia host Brazil in a friendly clash at the Luzhniki Stadium later this week, with both sides looking to record a positive result ahead of this summer’s main event. With the visitors being one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Russia later this year, head coach Tite will be looking for his senior players to impress in the Capital city on Friday evening.
International Friendly – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow – Friday 23rd March – 16:00 UK Time
Russia vs Brazil Match Preview
With both sides having drawn their last outings, Russia and Brazil will be hoping to return to winning ways this week, with their friendly clash undoubtedly one of the most high-profile during the international break. However, with Brazil having qualified for the World Cup Finals with relative ease, the emphasis will be on the visitors to demonstrate their capabilities ahead of them returning to Russia in just a matter of months. For those looking to place a bet on the clash, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s start by taking a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Russia Team News & Form
Russia recorded an entertaining 3-3 draw with Spain back in November last year, meaning that the World Cup hosts have lost just one of their last six matches, coming in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Argentina. Manager Stanislav Cherchesov has named a strong playing squad for their upcoming clashes, with many holding over 50 international caps. Striker Fyodor Smolov is likely to lead the line for the hosts, while CSKA Moscow duo Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Golovin will hope to provide creativity in midfield. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev could be in for a busy 90 minutes, with the 31-year-old set to earn his 104th cap against the South American giants.
Brazil Team News & Form
Despite being without superstar attacker Neymar Jr through injury, the visitors still have a host of options in the final third, with Premier League players such as Willian, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus all likely to feature during the 90 minutes. Elsewhere, Willian Jose, Anderson Talisca and goalkeeper Neto are the three uncapped players in the squad, all of whom will be hoping to make their senior debuts in Russia.
Russia vs Brazil Head to Head
The two teams have met five times in the past, with Russia still searching for a first win against the five-time World Cup winners. However, Russia held Brazil to a goalless draw the last time the duo met back in 2013, with the two nations having only ever met once in a competitive fixture, coming in a 2-0 win for Brazil during the 1994 World Cup.
Russia vs Brazil Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their status as the home team this week, it is the hosts who are the narrow underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Russia can be backed for victory at odds of 19/4 with bookmaker Paddy Power, while the visitors are the favourites on the same platform at a price of just 3/5. Meanwhile, with both sides having been involved in high-scoring matches of late, betting on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes is also worth considering, with William Hill offering odds of 21/20 here.
Russia vs Brazil Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, with odds of 1/1 available at Ladbrokes.