Preview RUS-ARG: Russia take on Maradona’s Men

Hello to all Russia fans. As you all know Russia and Argentina play in Moscow at the Lokomitiv Stadium this afternoon. I think the game will be exciting and a good preparation for both teams as they head into the home stretch of their 2010 qualification campaigns. Russia certainly go into this game having won their previous four out of five international matches. Meanwhile, Argentina have only won three of their five international matches.

Russia
Russia have a favorable record going into this game and most of the players are in peak form as the Russian Football Premier League is in full swing while their western European counterparts are only warming up. I think Hiddink will likely play a 4-4-1-1 formation to counter Maradona’s 4-3-3. The lineup will likely look similar to that which defeated Finland 3-0 in Helsinki in June. This will also be a time to allow CSKA’s young talent Alan Dzagoev to cement his place in the national team. Hiddink will likely want to attack more and take the game to the Argentine half. Hiddink will also be relieved to know that Lionel Messi is not likely to feature after suffering a late training injury.

Argentina
While Maradona has a headache with Messi’s absence, I would not write off the Argentines as they can be equally dangerous with Deigo Milito and Sergio Agüero up front. As previously mentioned, Maradona is likely to play a 4-3-3 which will make the Russian defense to stay focused. The defense is likely to be tasked with containing the striking duo of Kezhakov and Arshavin. But I think that Argentina may need to learn from this game in order to survive their remaining four qualifiers.

My prediction: RUS 2:1 ARG

I think that this will be a tight match in the beginning with both sides scoring but the likes of Arshavin, Dzagoev, and Kerzhakov will probably wear down the Argentine defense for the home team to score a late winner.

I look forward to reading your comments.