Brazil should beat World Cup hosts Russia

Russia v Brazil
FreeSports, 4pm Friday
Germany v Spain
BT Sport 3, 7.45pm Friday

World Cup hosts Russia look a long way from challenging at their own tournament in the summer and Brazil can highlight the difference in quality at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Brazil head to Moscow with a strong side despite the absence of star man Neymar with Tite having already named his starting 11 and Brazil should build on their formidable friendly form of 25 wins in their last 27 non-competitive contests.

Roma's outstanding goalkeeper Alisson will be the last line of a defence which also includes Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Miranda and Marcelo.

Casemiro holds the midfield with Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho pulls the strings behind a front three of Douglas Costa, Willian and Gabriel Jesus.

Russia came from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to draw with Spain last time out but Stanislav Cherchesov's squad has been hit hard by injuries at the worst possible time.

Centre-backs Viktor Vasin and Georgi Dzhikiya and right wing-back Mario Fernandes are crocked, as is star forward Aleksandr Kokorin. Vasin and Kokorin have also been ruled out of the World Cup, so an early exit, like the one they suffered at the Confederations Cup, cannot be ruled out.

Brazil have been backed to beat Russia, but there could be enough value remaining in the Asian handicap with the Samba Stars asked to concede 0.75.

Lionel Messi is available for Argentina for their clash against Italy at the Etihad at Manchester, while the game of the night is in Dusseldorf where world champions Germany host Spain.

Germany have drawn four of their last five friendly fixtures, while Spain are unbeaten since Euro 2016.

Recommendation
Brazil -0.75 Asian handicap
1pt 3-4 188Bet

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