World Cup
2009-06-10 - Finland vs Russia
A Sports Betting Pick by Pavel
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifier (UEFA)
Wednesday 10th June 2009 - Kickoff 18:30
Finland (3rd 3-1-1 8:7)
Finland survived a major scare when they only managed a 2-1 win over Lichtenstein in Helsinki on Saturday. Though throughout the game it was obvious their minds were set on this big match, which is due to be played on Wednesday.
It is an all or nothing affair for the Suomi squad, as any result but a straight win will put an end to their slim chances of grabbing the second spot in the Group.
Finland will have to improve their defending if they are to defeat Russia, as Mario Frick's goal for Lichtenstein was a real shame for Hyypia and Co. Was it a matter of lost concentration or low quality - we will find out the answer on Wednesday.
Stuart Baxter fielded the same line-up which brought vital 3 points away from Cardiff last year, only Markus Heikinnen was substituted my Teemu Tainio. Apart from unconvincing display, things got worse as Petri Pasanen, Shefki Kuqi and Teemu Tainio all suffered minor injuries.
I really doubt that Mr Baxter will use the squad rotation as he claimed before this 2 fixtures. Finland simply has not enough resources for that. Thus we could be set for the same formation and line-up from Suomi.
The only questioned player is right back Petri Pasanen who was brought off at half-time, as credit for the conceded goal and a knock from one of the Lichtenstein players. Veli Lampi could deputise instead.
Russia (2nd - 4-0-1 9:3)
Russia sat out the Saturday's fixtures and had plenty of time to prepare for this all important game. Baring in mind the 3-3 draw between Finland and Germans in Helsinki last year, Russians know that they have to at least repeat that performance in order to stay in touch with the group 4 leaders.
There is a number of important absentees in Guus Hiddink's camp, as Anyukov (suspended), Torbinskiy and Bilialetdinov (both injured) stayed at home. Right winger Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak Moscow) , defensive midfielder Pavel Mamaev (CSKA M.), striker Alexandr Kerzhakov (Dynamo M.) are the new faces in the Russian squad.
The first match in Moscow between this teams finished 3-0 in Russia's favor with Petri Pasanen and Veli Lampi remarkably scoring 2 own-goals and Arshavin setting up the 3rd.
Rumors suggest that Hiddink is set to field ex-Zenit striking duo Arshavin-Kerzhakov as the Dutch tactician will look to exploit slow Finnish defense. V. Berezutskiy should start on the right flank of defense instead of suspended Anyukov.
Probable Teams
Jaaskelainen
Kallio, Hyypia
R. Eremenko, Tainio or Heikinnen
A. Eremenko, Litmanen, Jahansson
Forsell
Russia (4-1-3-2)
Akinfeev
Zhirkov, Kolodin, Ignashevich, V. Berezutskiy
I. Denisov
Semak, Zirianov, Semshov
Arshavin, Kerzhakov
THe Betting Verdict
Finland looked very dull against Lichtenstein and Russians should decide to play on counters in order to catch opponents on the counter.
This should mean a low scoring game with few goals.
If you consider backing Russia, than take into account that Russia has never lost in June up to date and will be supported by around 6,000 travelling fans.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEST BETTING TIP :
I would suggest rather going for the Under 2.25 goals, than backing any of the teams.Medium confidence.
