After a demolition job in the opening game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia, the hosts Russia will try to beat Egypt in their second game of the Group A, and clinch the knock-out phase before they meet Uruguay in the final match of the group stage. On the other side, Egypt cannot afford another defeat after losing their opening game against Uruguay, so the bettors can expect a great battle at Saint Petersburg Stadium on this Tuesday, June 19th, 2018.
Russia vs. Egypt
3-Way: 1: Russia +130; X: +220 Draw; 2: Egypt +260 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Russia +120; Egypt -155
Total +2: Over -120; Under +105
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +100/-133
RUSSIA
Sbornaya put on an impressive performance in the opener against Saudi Arabia, hammering the Green Falcons 5-0, and completely dominating for all 90 minutes on the pitch. Stanislav Cherchesov’s team surprisingly played in a 4-5-1 system, pressuring the ball on their half to win it back and launch quick counter-attacks, while their dominance in the aerial duels was a huge advantage. Sbornaya allowed only one decent scoring opportunity to their rival, and that is certainly encouraging after ten consecutive games without a clean sheet.
The talented 22-year old midfielder Aleksandr Golovin was the main figure with a couple of brilliant assists along with a beautiful free-kick for Russia’s fifth goal of the game. Denis Cheryshev bagged a brace after he substituted Alan Dzagoev who suffered a hamstring injury. Dzagoev is probably ruled out for the World Cup, and it is a huge blow for Sbornaya, as he’s one of the key players in this Russia team. Good news is Artem Dzyuba’s excellent display for just 20 minutes on the pitch, as the 29-year old striker has scored the third goal for his team, along with a dish for Cheryshev’s second goal of the game.
EGYPT
The Pharaohs were beaten by Uruguay 1-0 in their first game of the 2018 World Cup, as they kneeled in the ultimate minute of the match after Jose Maria Gimenez’s header. Egypt bravely defended for the whole encounter, coming within an inch of a surprising stalemate, and showing some excellent tactical maneuvers. They were also lucky in a few situations, leaving Luis Suarez unmarked, while the goalie El Shenawy was a real defensive rock, but he couldn’t do anything to save Gimenez’s shot in the 90th minute.
The manager Hector Cuper started without Mohamed Salah who’s still recovering from a shoulder injury, and it was a massive flaw in Egypt’s attacking line, although the wingers Trezeguet and Warda both had a solid game, particularly in the first half. However, it is obvious that without Salah, the Pharaohs are just a mediocre team, struggling to make some damage in the final third. Hereof, the bettors can expect to see Salah in the starting eleven here, as Egypt will have to search for a victory, while a loss will send them home.
Russia vs. Egypt – Match and Odds Breakdown
The bookies favor Russia at +130 to win this game, and Sbornaya can sit back and wait for some counter-attacks, as the hosts should be satisfied even with a draw. On the other side, Egypt will have to avoid the defeat to stay in the competition for the second round, but with a potential stalemate, the Pharaohs will have to look for a victory with a bigger margin over Saudi Arabia in the ultimate match, and still wait for Uruguay to beat Russia. Therefore, the Pharaohs will have to try to win this game which promises a tremendous battle.
The wages on the Over/Under 2 Goals are set at -120/+105, as the bookmakers are pretty sure we’ll see a tight game with a patient approach on both sides. I cannot argue with this, but the potential opening goal would completely change the flow of the match. If someone breaks the deadlock here, I expect to see another goal, for sure, so betting on the over will be my first pick.
Russia is certainly a physically stronger team than Egypt, so the hosts should play in the same manner as in their first tilt against Saudi Arabia. Aerial duels will be their advantage, but Sbornaya could struggle against Egypt’s high pressure without a ball. The Pharaohs will have to use their pace and try to cause some mistakes at Russia’s defensive line. Maybe Sbornaya dominated in the clash against Saudi Arabia, but the Pharaohs will be a way more difficult opponent to beat.
The Pick: Over 2 Goals (-120)
