Russia v Saudi Arabia Preview and Prediction

Date/time: Thursday, 14^th June 18 4 PM

On Thursday afternoon, the World Cup kicks as home nation Russia entertain Saudi Arabia in the Russian capital Moscow.

As host Russia gained an automatic qualification spot at this summer’s World Cup, so have not played a competitive game since the Confederations Cup a year ago.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s team have not enjoyed great results in recent friendlies, having not won any of their last seven outings on the international stage.

In truth, Russia have endured a bit of a miserable time when it comes to World cup finals tournaments. The last time the home nation made it out of their group at a World Cup was 22 years ago in Mexico.

Top Football Bookmakers

Saudi Arabia have failed to qualify for the last two World Cup final tournaments. The visitors have a poor history in the finals of the world’s biggest international football tournament, winning just two of their 12 finals games while suffering eight defeats in the process.

The Saudi preparations for this tournament have been poor, as they have suffered three straight defeats, conceding at least two goals in the process in each defeat.

Poor defensive displays seem to have been a theme for the Asian team, as they have conceded at least two goals in five of their last eight international games.

Prediction

Russia win and/or under 2.5 goals