Russia can build World Cup confidence with win at Austria

Friendlies
From 11.25am Wednesday

Russia have been outclassed by some lofty opposition this year, losing at home to Brazil (3-0) and France (3-1), but they will be looking to build confidence in the run-up to the World Cup and look a shade overpriced to defeat Austria in Innsbruck.

The Russians are going to struggle to beat the top teams this summer but it is a realistic aim for them to get out of Group A.

They haven't won a match in five attempts since a 4-2 success at home to South Korea last October and head coach Stanislav Cherchesov is coming under pressure to deliver some better performances to give the fans a lift going into the tournament opener against Saudi Arabia on June 14.

Cherchesov's team should be highly motivated and that could make the difference in a contest between two ordinary sides.

Austria have won their last three friendlies but they had a miserable time in World Cup qualification, finishing fourth in Group D.

Marko Arnautovic and David Alaba are the Austrians' headline acts but there isn't great depth to the squad and the defence could be a concern with Sebastian Prodl out of favour at Watford and Kevin Wimmer, who recently moved from Stoke to Hannover, lacking match practice and confidence after a miserable season in the Potteries.

It looks like being a close match and Russia may be worth chancing with the draw no bet.

Japan have been having a tough time but they are odds-on favourites to topple Ghana in Yokohama.

There is no shortage of experience in Japan's 27-man preliminary World Cup squad with seven of their players capped at least 80 times, but the Blue Samurai have had some poor results this year, drawing 1-1 with Mali and losing 2-1 to Ukraine.

Ghana are not without hope of pulling off an upset but they are weaker than usual with key quartet Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew and Christian Atsu not selected in their 21-man squad.

Recommendation
Russia draw no bet
1pt 11-8 Betfair

World Cup quizzes

Groups A & B

Groups C & D

Which World Cup legend are you?

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport