The opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup sees Russia taking on Saudi Arabia in what could be one of the most crucial low opening fixtures ever witnessed in World Cup football history. Both sides come into the match after disappointments in the warm-up games and being separated by a mere three points in the FIFA rankings, picking a side between the two can test even the best of football pundits. The Russians were off-colour in the previous world cup while the Green Falcons from Asia are back playing the finals after a gap of 12 years. Russia vs Saudi Arabia, 2018 FIFA World Cup Winner Prediction: Achilles the Cat Says Hosts Russia Will Win, Watch Video.

Russia

Stanislav Cherchesov took over the reins of the team in 2016, and his team is in dire straits at the moment having won only five times out of the last twenty-six played. Several key stars are missing from the team which includes Georgy Dzhikiya, Viktor Vasin and Alexander Kokorin. The bulk of the attacking responsibility is on the young shoulders of 22-year-old Aleksandr Golovin who will feel the pressure when he steps out on the field. There is an experience though at the back with skipper Igor Akinfeev in goal and ex-Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov at the fullback position. Akinfeev, the Russian skipper will have to be in the form of his life to save Russian blushes during the tournament. Russia Lineup for 2018 FIFA World Cup: Socceroos Squad, Team Details, Match Schedule, Dates & Timetable for Football WC Russia.

Saudi Arabia

The Green Falcons too are not in the best of forms but still looks much better when compared to their opponents Russia. Under new coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, they have won three of their last nine matches, and the team is a work under progress. Their core team is made up of homegrown players, and the trio of Nawaf Al Abed, Fahad Al-Muwallad and Yahya Al-Shehri and they are the ones around whom much of their gameplay develops. There is an injury setback though with Al-Abed, their attacking midfielder missing the competition. Saudi Arabia Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Lineup, Team Details, Road to Qualification & Players to Watch Out for in Football WC.

Predicted Lineup:  Russia - Akinfeev; Kudryashov, Ignashevich, Granat, Fernandes; Zhirkov, Kuzyaev, Golovin, Samedov; Smolov

Saudi Arabia - Al-Mayoof; Al-Burayk, Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Shahrani; Ateef, Faraj; Dawsari, Jassam, Shehri; Muwallad. 2018 FIFA World Cup Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Matches in Indian Time & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

Match Prediction - Russia 1 Saudi Arabia 0

Expect both sides to gauge their oppositions in the opening few exchanges and the game could be slow and devoid of creativity. Russia’s poor form will be balanced by the home support they will enjoy, and that could eventually see them cross the line in this tie.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2018 02:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).