Preview RUS-MKD: Russia Look to Break From the Pack

September 1st, 2011 | by: nick |

This Friday, Russia could take a two point lead in Group B if they defeat Macedonia in Moscow and Ireland draws with Slovakia in Dublin. With this scenario Russia will move into first place with 16 points ahead of Slovakia and Ireland with 14 points. This is of course one of many scenarios but it is the most favorable for Russia ahead of the critical encounters with Ireland next Tuesday (Sept 6) and Slovakia on October 7. Russia head into this match with four wins, one draw, and one loss at the midst of a three way tie for first place. Macedonia have the exact opposite record with one win, one draw, and four losses. Besides the 1-0 win last October, Russia and Macedonia met during the Euro 2008 qualifiers which ended in 2-0 and 3-0 victories in Skopje and Moscow respectively. The second encounter was particularly memorable with Vyacheslav Malafeev saving a penalty kick after the sending off of Vladimir Gabulov for bringing down Goran Maznov in the area.

Squad and Formation
Dick Advocaat named the same squad that defeated Serbia 1-0 on August 10. The only major change is Igor Akinfeev who is likely to miss the rest of the campaign for this year. In all other fronts the squad is as expected with no major surprises or first time call ups. Formation wise, Advocaat has experimented with a 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, 4-1-4-1, and 4-5-1, and 4-2-3-1. He is likely to use a similar 4-2-3-1 formation which defeated Serbia just three weeks ago. The possible starting lineup will likely include:

Malafeev (GK),

Anyukov (RB), V Berezutski (CB), Ignashevich (CB), Zhirkov (LB)

Zyrianov (DM), Denisov/Shirokov/Semshov (DM)

Dzagoev (RM), Arshavin (AM), Bilyaletdinov (LM)

Kerzhakov/Pavlyuchenko/Pogrebnyak (CF)

In early part of the campaign, Russia had some difficulty keeping the formation together in the center when attacking. The matches against Macedonia and Belgium last year showed that Russia dominated the wings with Zhirkov and Ankyukov but could not dominate the center and a vast of majority of crosses that were delivered went unanswered. This resulted in a very mediocre 1-0 victory against Macedonia and a very disappointing loss to Belgium last fall. Similar problems also existed the friendly loss to Iran and the qualifying draw to Armenia earlier this year.

Macedonia
Macedonia go into this game in fifth place ranking only above Andorra. However Russia will need to be aware of the potential threat from players like Goran Pandev and Vlatko Grozdanoski. Macedonia could spring a surprise if Russia are complacent and inattentive. Recalling the first match in Skopje last October, Russia scored an early goal but found it very difficult extend the lead and were even pushed on the back foot with several brief Macedonian attacks.

Here is the video from the Macedonia-Russia match from October 12, 2010