The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosts Russia welcome European champions Portugal at Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow looking to maintain control over Group A after beating New Zealand in the first round. Portugal, on the other side, failed victims to lack of composure in crucial moments against Mexico and will be desperate to win.

Biggest test for Russia

Confederations Cup and World Cup hosts Russia cannot afford to take anything for granted against the reigning European champions Portugal. The hosting nation is enduring plenty of pressure from the public ahead of the main-stage event next year and Stanislav Cherchesov’s men are expected to raise the level of their game at the final test before the World Cup next year. Cherchesov should be given credit for transforming Russia into a tightly-packed unit, but plenty of work is still ahead of the manager who will be looking to improve his team’s finish. Russia did manage to beat New Zealand in their opening match at the tournament, but the Sbornaya Komanda missed a host of goal chances against an inferior opponent and were fortunate enough to go upfront thanks to an own goal from Boxall. Local media favourite Fedor Smolov scored the second goal for Russia last time out and he will be expected to continue his fine scoring form.

Smolov is expected to continue to spearhead the attack for Russia, while Poloz could surrender his starting berth to Bukharov. Stanislav Cherchesov is not expected to make bigger changes to his line-up.

Rotating squad

Russia and Portugal head into the Wednesday’s match looking at it from different perspectives. It’s been a long season for the European champions who have their eyes on the place in the World Cup 2018 and Fernando Santos has already announced he intended to rotate his squad throughout the Confederations Cup. With Real Madrid superstar leading the way, Portugal boast quite a lot of attacking potential. Ronaldo was one of the most prominent players in his team once again as he assisted Quaresma for the opener and made it very hard for Mexico to relax throughout the match. it is Portugal’s defensive frailties that are the major cause for concern ahead of the Russia match however. Portugal conceded two late goals in each half against Mexico, both of which came after defensive errors and poor positioning. This aspect of Portugal’s play is something Santos is expected to address as soon as possible, before it’s too late.

Gelson Martins and Nelson Semedo could all figure in Fernando Santos’ starting eleven, whereas Andre Silva is also pushing for a starting berth.

Verdict

Russia have motivation on their side, but the pressure as well and it will be interesting to see if the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts have what it takes to bring down the European title holders. Portugal are getting tired from a busy season, but they will have to put in a much more improved defensive performance if they are to grab a positive result against Russia.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes   2.00 (1/1) @Betfair

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.72 (13/18) @188bet

Alternative pick 2: Draw   3.5 (5/2) @Bet365