Russia vs Czech Republic Preview and Prediction

Russia
The 2008 European semi-finalists are sweating on the fitness of Aleksandr Anyukov and Marat Izmailov. The star duo sustained injuries while playing in a friendly match against Italy. Igor Akinfeev is still on the road to recovery and will undergo a late fitness test ahead of the game.

Advocaat is rumoured to play the promising attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev behind Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

Roman Shirokov is expected to retain his position in the midfield with Konstantin Zyryanov. Advocaat, meanwhile, is still unsure over the goalkeeper selection.

Expected starting line-up: Malafeev, Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Granat, Zhirkov, Zyryanov, Shirokov, Denisov, Semshov, Dzagoev, Kerzhakov.

Czech Republic
The Narodak are sweating on the fitness of Milan Baros, as the 30-year-old striker has reportedly ruptured a groin muscle. Should the former Liverpool star fails to pass the fitness test, Bílek is likely to call upon CSKA Moscow’s Tomas Necid back into first team.

Tomas Rosicky, the captain, will also undergo a late fitness ahead of the game after failing to resume training due to a muscle injury.

All matches history

Russia		Czech Rep
13	Matches Played	13
6	Wins	2
5	Draws	5
2	Losses	6
24	Goals	15

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Russia		Czech Rep
2	Matches Played	2
1	Wins	0
1	Draws	1
0	Losses	1
3	Goals	1

Euro Cup Qualifiers

Russia		Czech Rep
2	Matches Played	2
0	Wins	1
1	Draws	1
1	Losses	0
2	Goals	4

Euro Cup

Russia		Czech Rep
2	Matches Played	2
1	Wins	0
1	Draws	1
0	Losses	1
6	Goals	3

Friendly

Russia		Czech Rep
7	Matches Played	7
4	Wins	1
2	Draws	2
1	Losses	4
13	Goals	7

FIFA Ranking
Russia: 13
Czech Republic: 27

Prediction
Russia 55% vs 45% Czech Republic