Preview MKD-RUS: Russia Look to Build on Dublin Victory

October 11th, 2010 | by: nick | Comments(1)

Russia will be facing FYR Macedonia tomorrow in Skopje. These two teams met twice in the qualifying round for UEFA Euro 2008 with Russia winning both fixtures 2-0 and 3-0. Russia will be aiming for a win in order to have a good chance of taking charge of the group before the winter break. Slovakia and Ireland will be playing the same day in Žilina and a draw combined with a Russian victory will send Dick Advocaat’s team to the top of Group B.

Russia
Going into the game in Skopje, Russia will have the confidence of the victory in Dublin. Advocaat’s men will have the game winning mentality and with core team in form, the confidence should be high. Provided complacency is at a minimum, Russia are fully expected to gain the full three points.

Dick Advocaat will likely start the same 4-2-3-1 formation which started in Dublin. The way this formation played and is functioning it is very hard to disagree with Advocaat. Dzagoev may be the only omission after being stretchered off in Dublin. However no news has been reported in his condition so it is likely that he may start in Skopje. Akinfeev and the back four consisting of Zhirkov (LB), Ignashevich (CB), V. Berezutski (CB), and Anyukov (RB) will likely remain unchanged. The midfield consisting of Denisov (DM), Shirokov (DM), Zyrianov (AM), Arshavin (LW), and Dzagoev (RW) was the driving force of the attack in the Irish half of the field. If it remains unchanged, the midfield will likely be just as dangerous. Up front Kerzhakov is in peak form and will likely start again. He was very instrumental in leading the attack and providing the firepower.

Macedonia
Macedonia will likely go into this game with the aim of doing better than 2007. It is certainly possible but not probable for a surprise result.

Prediction: MKD 1-3 RUS
This game should be an easy win for Russia and possibly take charge of the group.

I look forward to reading your comments.