Preview of Russia Finland

Hello all. As you all know Russia and Finland will be facing off at the Lokomotiv stadium in Moscow. I do have to say I was not very impressed with Russia’s front line. I think that if Arshavin and Pogrebnyak had combined better the match could have easily been 3-2 in Russia’s favor. However I hope that Russia fix the offensive problems and win.

I think that Hiddink will shake up the squad and put in some fresh players that did not play in Germany like Purdnikov, Semshov, Saenko, and Bystrov. Hiddink is likely to go with a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 formation to bolster the attacking options.

Having watched Finland play against Germany as wll as their Euro 2008 qualifiers they are now a much stronger team. Finland is likey to be more attack minded to counter the Russian threat with their star striker Jari Litmanen up front. There is not much I can say about Finland other than they will try to go for a win.

I think that on paper Russia looks to be a stronger team but I hope Russia dont under estimate them or get complacent. Just like the Germany Russia match I think this one will be just as tight.

My prediction: RUS 1-1 FIN

I think this match will be a draw given Finland’s road form in which they had only one loss and four draws in seven away games during the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers.

I look forward to reading your comments.