Preview SVN-RUS: Showdown in Maribor

November 18th, 2009 | by: Nick | Comments(9)

Hello all Russia fans. Russia will be playing Slovenia today (in about 30 min) in Maribor. As you all know this is the final hurdle before the World Cup in South Africa next summer.

Russia
I think that Russia have to work hard not to concede a goal as Slovenia have all to play for. Hiddink may use Semshov and Semak as defensive midfielders. I would like to see Pogrebnyak or Sychev lead the front line with Alan Dzagoev and Andrei Arshavin in support. Bystrov is in top shape right now and will be useful down the right wing. In defense, I think that Hiddink should field different fullbacks in order to close Slovenia’s flanks.

Slovenia
Slovenia will work hard to score a goal in order to progress on away goals. They will likely field an attacking formation to try and break the Russian defense.

My Prediction: SVN 1-1 RUS

I think that this will be a very close and nervous game for both sides. Slovenia will score and Russia will pull one back.