Russia welcome Nigeria to the Luzhniki Stadium in Friday’s international friendly match. With both teams firing up front and trying out new systems and players, a high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.
Russia arrive in fine form, fresh from a dominant 5-0 win over Zambia in Moscow, their eighth straight international friendly victory. The eastern European nation have netted 10 goals in their last two games without conceding, underlining their current attacking ruthlessness.
While recent results have come against modest opposition, a far tougher test now awaits and Russia’s defence is set for a sterner examination. Manager Valeriy Karpin will once again look to his forwards to deliver, hoping their sharp form carries into this high-profile friendly.
Nigeria head into this game riding the momentum of their Unity Cup triumph, edging Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. It marked their third win in four matches and extended their unbeaten run under new head coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles have impressed going forward, scoring seven goals since Chelle’s appointment. However, defensive stability remains a concern having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches. This match also offers another chance for the Franco-Malian coach to refine his system and assess new combinations at the back as the team continues to evolve.
How the bookies view it:
*Updates to come*
Head to head: No previous meeting
This will be the first meeting between the two nations.
Players to watch: Eyes on the attack
Maksim Glushenkov netted three goals in Russia’s last outing and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward can combine with Alexey Batrakov to help produce over 1.5 goals for the hosts.
Nigerian striker, Tolu Arokodare came off a prolific season for KRC Genk where he netted 23 goals including winning the Belgian Jupiler League’s golden boot. He could combine with Victor Boniface to produce over 1.5 goals for the visitors.
Probable lineups:
Russia will be without first choice goalkeeper, Stanislav Agkatsev who is out injured. This game comes too soon for Midfielder Aleksandr Golovin who continues his recovery from injury. However, Matvei Safonov, Anton Miranchuk and Nikolay Komlichenko are in line to start.
Nigeria will be without Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella. However, captain William Troost-Ekong, Arokodare, Boniface and Christantus Uche are in the running for a starting berth while Maduka Okoye is expected to man the goal-post as first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali isn’t listed for this fixture.
Russia: Safonov, Krugovoy, Vakhaniya, Osipenko, Gorshkov, Miranchuk, Mostovoy, Oblyakov, Komlichenko, Batrakov, Pinyayev
Nigeria: Okoye, Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Onyemaechi, Uche, Onyedika, Onyeka, Tolu, Boniface, Simon
Anything else catch the eye?
Russia’s last eight matches have produced over 2.5 goals and that trend is expected to continue. Both teams have scored in four of Nigeria’s last five matches and a similar outcome is expected here.
There have been goals in each half in Russia’s last eight matches and a repeat can be considered in Friday's clash.
GambleAware