Predictable Russia will show plenty of heart

RUSSIA didn’t play very well against England on Saturday, but you have to say they showed a lot of fighting qualities. They kept going right until the end when Vasili Berezutski’s fortuitous header gave them a lifeline in the group.

The way they play is quite predictable, with lots of long balls going to Artem Dzyuba — the big man up top. Oleg Shatov is a handy player who can find the wide men when they make runs in behind the defence, but I don’t think either of the other two central midfielders are capable of doing this.

If Martin Skrtel can keep Dzyuba under wraps and the midfielders can shackle Shatov, then Slovakia will have a decent chance of picking up their first win.

I think they’ve got a bit more than Russia. With Marek Hamsik and Juraj Kucka both adding quality and workrate to the midfield — and, of course, Skrtel at centre half — they’ve got a very solid core. VERDICT: Draw. KEY STAT: Three of Russia’s last four goals scored in the European Championships have come in the final 11 minutes of games.

BIG MATCH BET: Slovakia lost to Wales despite having more shots and greater possession. More of the same should be enough to see off Russia and they’re 5-2 to win.