Russia
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/3
Qualification: As hosts, Russia are the only country to automatically qualify for the World Cup this year.
Injuries and Team News: Sergei Ignashevich and the Berezutskiy brothers (Russia’s long-term back 3) all retired from international football recently meaning Russia’s manager, Stanislav Cherchesov, had to revamp his entire back 3. However, replacement defenders Victor Vasin and Georgi Dzhikiya were omitted via injury and Ruslan Kambolov was cut due to a doping investigation. Therefore, previously retired Ignashevich has agreed to pull on the Russian shirt again this summer. A big miss will be Zenit forward Aleksandr Kokorin who ruptured knee ligaments in March. He had made 21 direct goal contributions in 31 games for Zenit prior to his injury. Defensive midfielder Igor Denisov will not be selected by Cherchesov after a run in between the two at Dynamo Moscow in 2015.
Projected XI (taken from ESPN):
This appears a fair prediction as to how Russia will line-up.
Fantasy Potential: 2/5. Russia will face off against Mo Salah’s Egypt and the deadly combination of Suarez and Cavani for Uruguay in 2 of their 3 group games. Therefore, with a depleted and seemingly weak backline, it appears wise to avoid Russian defensive assets. However, if you fancy the hosts to come out firing, Fedor Smolov is nailed on up front and should be priced reasonably kindly. Alan Dzagoev is the talisman of the team and is dangerous going forward, but Aleksei Miranchuk may present himself as a more budget-friendly option in attacking midfield.
Prediction: Though heavily favoured by the bookies to make it through the group stage, I think it’s very difficult to confidently pick Russia as they have struggled in the past few international competitions to make it out of their group. It wouldn’t surprise me if they made it on home soil but I think odds of 1/3 are too short. They should have enough to beat Saudi Arabia, but may not be well equipped enough to shut out the talents Egypt and Uruguay boast going forward.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/3
Qualification: As hosts, Russia are the only country to automatically qualify for the World Cup this year.
Injuries and Team News: Sergei Ignashevich and the Berezutskiy brothers (Russia’s long-term back 3) all retired from international football recently meaning Russia’s manager, Stanislav Cherchesov, had to revamp his entire back 3. However, replacement defenders Victor Vasin and Georgi Dzhikiya were omitted via injury and Ruslan Kambolov was cut due to a doping investigation. Therefore, previously retired Ignashevich has agreed to pull on the Russian shirt again this summer. A big miss will be Zenit forward Aleksandr Kokorin who ruptured knee ligaments in March. He had made 21 direct goal contributions in 31 games for Zenit prior to his injury. Defensive midfielder Igor Denisov will not be selected by Cherchesov after a run in between the two at Dynamo Moscow in 2015.
Projected XI (taken from ESPN):
This appears a fair prediction as to how Russia will line-up.
Fantasy Potential: 2/5. Russia will face off against Mo Salah’s Egypt and the deadly combination of Suarez and Cavani for Uruguay in 2 of their 3 group games. Therefore, with a depleted and seemingly weak backline, it appears wise to avoid Russian defensive assets. However, if you fancy the hosts to come out firing, Fedor Smolov is nailed on up front and should be priced reasonably kindly. Alan Dzagoev is the talisman of the team and is dangerous going forward, but Aleksei Miranchuk may present himself as a more budget-friendly option in attacking midfield.
Prediction: Though heavily favoured by the bookies to make it through the group stage, I think it’s very difficult to confidently pick Russia as they have struggled in the past few international competitions to make it out of their group. It wouldn’t surprise me if they made it on home soil but I think odds of 1/3 are too short. They should have enough to beat Saudi Arabia, but may not be well equipped enough to shut out the talents Egypt and Uruguay boast going forward.
Egypt
Odds to Qualify from Group: 6/4
Qualification: Egypt left it very late to confirm their place in the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Mohammed Salah scored a last gasp penalty against Congo to beat off competition from Uganda and send the ‘The Pharaohs’ to Russia. Salah scored another 4 goals over the campaign and was a key factor in Egypt’s qualification, as was tireless defensive midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
Injuries and Team News: When the in-form Mohamed Elneny was stretchered off in April in Arsenal’s victory over West Ham, he was visibly in some distress. However, despite ankle ligament damage, Elneny should be ready to go by the time the World Cup rolls around next month having been selected in Egypt’s squad ahead of their pre-tournament friendlies. Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was also selected in the provisional squad, and at 45 years old could become the oldest player to ever appear at the World Cup if he makes the final cut.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Ahmed Hassan Mahgoub isn’t a particularly prolific striker, with just 6 goals in 34 games domestically for Braga this season. The creativity will come from the attacking three behind him. Stoke City’s Ramadan Sobhi will be vying to get into the first 11 despite limited minutes this season – the 21 year old’s agent has suggested other Premier League clubs are eyeing up the young winger and he’ll hope that an impressive tournament will put him in the shop window.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. Egypt play a very defensive brand of football, relying on the pace of Salah up front to carry the attacking side of play. It’s likely that Egyptian defenders will be nicely priced so perhaps West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi could be a nice way to unlock funds elsewhere, also offering some aerial threat. It’s highly unlikely Salah will replicate anywhere near the returns he has for Liverpool this season – it’s much easier to perform in an attack-minded team with world-class players. However, if you fancy Egypt for goals then he’s the easy pick.
Prediction: If Egypt can defend resolutely and Salah can work some magic, I see no reason they can’t get something substantial against Russia to pip them to second place in Group A.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 6/4
Qualification: Egypt left it very late to confirm their place in the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Mohammed Salah scored a last gasp penalty against Congo to beat off competition from Uganda and send the ‘The Pharaohs’ to Russia. Salah scored another 4 goals over the campaign and was a key factor in Egypt’s qualification, as was tireless defensive midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
Injuries and Team News: When the in-form Mohamed Elneny was stretchered off in April in Arsenal’s victory over West Ham, he was visibly in some distress. However, despite ankle ligament damage, Elneny should be ready to go by the time the World Cup rolls around next month having been selected in Egypt’s squad ahead of their pre-tournament friendlies. Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was also selected in the provisional squad, and at 45 years old could become the oldest player to ever appear at the World Cup if he makes the final cut.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Ahmed Hassan Mahgoub isn’t a particularly prolific striker, with just 6 goals in 34 games domestically for Braga this season. The creativity will come from the attacking three behind him. Stoke City’s Ramadan Sobhi will be vying to get into the first 11 despite limited minutes this season – the 21 year old’s agent has suggested other Premier League clubs are eyeing up the young winger and he’ll hope that an impressive tournament will put him in the shop window.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. Egypt play a very defensive brand of football, relying on the pace of Salah up front to carry the attacking side of play. It’s likely that Egyptian defenders will be nicely priced so perhaps West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi could be a nice way to unlock funds elsewhere, also offering some aerial threat. It’s highly unlikely Salah will replicate anywhere near the returns he has for Liverpool this season – it’s much easier to perform in an attack-minded team with world-class players. However, if you fancy Egypt for goals then he’s the easy pick.
Prediction: If Egypt can defend resolutely and Salah can work some magic, I see no reason they can’t get something substantial against Russia to pip them to second place in Group A.
Uruguay
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/5
Qualification: Brazil ran away with the South American qualification group, but Uruguay managed to clinch second place and one of the three remaining automatic qualification places. Uruguay started the campaign very strongly, and despite a big wobble mid-campaign in which they lost three games in a row, victory against Paraguay essentially sent ‘La Celeste’ to Russia. Edinson Cavani ended the campaign as top scorer with 10 goals.
Injuries and Team News: Uruguay will enter Russia with very few injury concerns. Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro has been named in their provisional squad despite missing recent domestic games with a fractured toe.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Genoa’s left-sided midfield player Diego Laxalt has been deployed at left-back by Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez, while Gaston Silva will be hoping to claim that spot. It’s hard to predict who will be favoured, though I would give the nudge to Laxalt. The defence looks fairly settled otherwise, though Guillermo Varela may have slight competition from Maxi Pereira at right-back. Cristian Rodriguez will compete with De Arrascaeta for the left-wing position.
Fantasy Potential: 4/5. Uruguay have more traditionally been a deep-lying counter-attacking side, but as a young, exciting midfield presents itself, so too does the promise of more attacking football. Suarez and Cavani are world-class forwards and have high ceilings in any team or formation. Suarez appears to be the penalty taker, so that might swing fantasy managers in favour of the Barcelona man. Atletico Madrid centre-backs Diego Godin and Jose Maria Giminez are a solid pairing and though likely to be priced highly, they offer assured starts, good clean sheet potential and a goal threat in Godin’s case. There are some exciting players across the midfield, but only De Arrascaeta looks worth a punt as he offers far more goal and assist potential and would likely come in at a budget price.
Prediction: Uruguay have a good mix of youth and experience, as well as a solid defence and a world-class frontline. They should top the group.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/5
Qualification: Brazil ran away with the South American qualification group, but Uruguay managed to clinch second place and one of the three remaining automatic qualification places. Uruguay started the campaign very strongly, and despite a big wobble mid-campaign in which they lost three games in a row, victory against Paraguay essentially sent ‘La Celeste’ to Russia. Edinson Cavani ended the campaign as top scorer with 10 goals.
Injuries and Team News: Uruguay will enter Russia with very few injury concerns. Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro has been named in their provisional squad despite missing recent domestic games with a fractured toe.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Genoa’s left-sided midfield player Diego Laxalt has been deployed at left-back by Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez, while Gaston Silva will be hoping to claim that spot. It’s hard to predict who will be favoured, though I would give the nudge to Laxalt. The defence looks fairly settled otherwise, though Guillermo Varela may have slight competition from Maxi Pereira at right-back. Cristian Rodriguez will compete with De Arrascaeta for the left-wing position.
Fantasy Potential: 4/5. Uruguay have more traditionally been a deep-lying counter-attacking side, but as a young, exciting midfield presents itself, so too does the promise of more attacking football. Suarez and Cavani are world-class forwards and have high ceilings in any team or formation. Suarez appears to be the penalty taker, so that might swing fantasy managers in favour of the Barcelona man. Atletico Madrid centre-backs Diego Godin and Jose Maria Giminez are a solid pairing and though likely to be priced highly, they offer assured starts, good clean sheet potential and a goal threat in Godin’s case. There are some exciting players across the midfield, but only De Arrascaeta looks worth a punt as he offers far more goal and assist potential and would likely come in at a budget price.
Prediction: Uruguay have a good mix of youth and experience, as well as a solid defence and a world-class frontline. They should top the group.
Saudi Arabia
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/1
Qualification: Saudi Arabia qualified for the tournament in dramatic style. Japan had already wrapped up first place in their group and the ‘Green Falcons’ needed to beat Japan in order to take second place and an automatic qualifying spot at the expense of Australia. Attacking midfielder Fahad Al Muwallad smashed the ball in the top corner just after the hour to do just that and send Saudi Arabia to Russia, where they were drawn in Group A.
Injuries and Team News: The most volatile position in this team appears to be that of the manager. Juan Antonio Pizzi, who previously managed Chile, has taken the reigns after previous managers Bert Van Marwijk and then Edgardo Bauza both left their posts within months of each other at the end of 2017. Important midfielder Nawaf Al-Abed was out for much of the season but is now fit and in the provisional squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The vast majority of this projected line-up seems reasonable. Al-Abed will surely start, however, and fit in somewhere behind Al Sahlawi.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. It’s unlikely anyone playing World Cup fantasy on any platform will be peering too closely at Saudi Arabia’s options. It’s difficult to see a scenario in which they don’t concede in each game and certainly tough to see them scoring well. However, if you fancy backing the underdogs, Fahad Al-Muwallad and Mohamed Al-Sahlawi are nice punts. Al-Muwallad is a young winger, on loan at Levante throughout the 2017/18 league season. Though he struggled for minutes, he has bundles of pace and could form a dangerous partnership with Al Sahlawi. Al Sahlawi is a prolific centre-forward at both domestic and international level. He has bagged 133 goals in 240 club appearances in Saudi Arabia and 28 goals in 38 appearances for his country. He’ll be budget-friendly and if there’s a route for this team to get goals, he’ll surely play a big factor. If Nawaf Al-Abed has recovered well and finds his feet, he could also be instrumental. He was a big part of the team’s qualifying campaign and takes spot kicks.
Prediction: It’s hard to see Saudi Arabia doing very much in this group. They would do well to not finish bottom.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/1
Qualification: Saudi Arabia qualified for the tournament in dramatic style. Japan had already wrapped up first place in their group and the ‘Green Falcons’ needed to beat Japan in order to take second place and an automatic qualifying spot at the expense of Australia. Attacking midfielder Fahad Al Muwallad smashed the ball in the top corner just after the hour to do just that and send Saudi Arabia to Russia, where they were drawn in Group A.
Injuries and Team News: The most volatile position in this team appears to be that of the manager. Juan Antonio Pizzi, who previously managed Chile, has taken the reigns after previous managers Bert Van Marwijk and then Edgardo Bauza both left their posts within months of each other at the end of 2017. Important midfielder Nawaf Al-Abed was out for much of the season but is now fit and in the provisional squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The vast majority of this projected line-up seems reasonable. Al-Abed will surely start, however, and fit in somewhere behind Al Sahlawi.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. It’s unlikely anyone playing World Cup fantasy on any platform will be peering too closely at Saudi Arabia’s options. It’s difficult to see a scenario in which they don’t concede in each game and certainly tough to see them scoring well. However, if you fancy backing the underdogs, Fahad Al-Muwallad and Mohamed Al-Sahlawi are nice punts. Al-Muwallad is a young winger, on loan at Levante throughout the 2017/18 league season. Though he struggled for minutes, he has bundles of pace and could form a dangerous partnership with Al Sahlawi. Al Sahlawi is a prolific centre-forward at both domestic and international level. He has bagged 133 goals in 240 club appearances in Saudi Arabia and 28 goals in 38 appearances for his country. He’ll be budget-friendly and if there’s a route for this team to get goals, he’ll surely play a big factor. If Nawaf Al-Abed has recovered well and finds his feet, he could also be instrumental. He was a big part of the team’s qualifying campaign and takes spot kicks.
Prediction: It’s hard to see Saudi Arabia doing very much in this group. They would do well to not finish bottom.
UPDATE (5/06/18): Egypt - Mo Salah picked up an injury in Liverpool’s Champions League final after a collision with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. Despite this, he’s been named in Egypt’s final 23-man squad and will hope to be ready to face Uruguay. Striker Ahmed Mahgoub, on the other hand, has been cut from the squad in an unexpected decision. Uruguay – Nicolas Lodeiro eventually failed in his bid to make the final 23. Saudi Arabia – Nawaf Al-Abed told his manager before a 3-0 warm-up loss to Peru that he doesn’t feel ready and so has been omitted from the final 23. He could be a big miss for the underdogs.