Russia
Tactics
Guus Hiddink is not inclined to take risks unless he has to, so will probably favour a 4-5-1. Akinfeev will remain first-choice keeper despite his long injury lay-off last season and CSKA’s poor start this term. The two reserves – Malafeev and Gabulov – are both capable, making the position the least troublesome for the coach.
CSKA trio troubles
Hiddink is sure to use a four-man defence but far from certain to rely on the CSKA trio of Ignashevich and the Berezutsky twins he used in most qualifiers. Instead, the pacy Anyukov may take the right-back slot, with Kolodin and the versatile Shirokov teamed at centre-back. Several players are in contention for left-back. Alexei Berezutsky may keep it for the opening group game, against Spain, but it may then go to nominal midfielder Zhirkov when the team may well need extra attacking verve.
Zhirkov for starters
If not, Zhirkov, a sure starter in any formation, will play on the left wing. Elsewhere in the packed midfield, Hiddink may use two defence-minded players (Semshov and Zyryanov), with Torbinsky and Bilyaletdinov in creative roles and the pacy Bystrov on the right wing. Alternatively, Semshov or Zyryanov could be moved further forward to create a central midfield three.
If Russia have to win their final group game, playmaker Arshavin could be drafted in to support the attack from deep.
Up front, Hiddink will probably plump for one of the three tall, powerful strikers at his disposal – Pavlyuchenko, Pogrebnyak and Adamov.
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