Russia will look to clinch the top spot in Group F when it takes on Luxembourg in the World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.
The Russians currently sit atop the group with 18 points in eight games but only lead Portugal by one match. A win for Russia coupled with a loss for Portugal would essentially clinch the top spot for the team. A draw in that game would still give Portugal a chance to tie Russia in points heading into the final group match. The group winner moves on to the World Cup finals next summer while the top eight European second-place sides face off in a playoff match.
Russia is expected to win its final two games against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, but the team has been susceptible to the occasional poor performance. The team lost against Portugal in Lisbon last June and was also shocked 1-0 by a lowly Northern Ireland team that was already eliminated from contention.
Russia defeated Luxembourg 4-1 at home in September. Aleksandr Kokorin scored in the opening minute and added a second goal in the 36th. Aleksandr Kerzhakov scored in the 59th, while Aleksandr Samedov completed the Russia onslaught with a goal in the 93rd minute.
Luxembourg sits in fifth place with six points in eight games. The team has one victory, three draws and four losses throughout this tournament.
Prediction: Russia is the undisputed favorite and should pull off a 2-0 win.
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. EST
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