Russia currently top the group with a 100% record whilst in contrast Portugal, though just a point behind, have played two games more and dropped seven points. Russia won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in October and with Portugal losing their last home match, a friendly against Ecuador, it is a surprise to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s team as short as evens (with BetVictor) to get the result here.
The visitors, who have so far won all their games without conceding a goal are being expertly managed by Fabio Capello and drew with Brazil in their last game (a friendly). At 3/1, also with BetVictor, they look an excellent prospect against a side for whom Ronaldo seems more a divisive superstar than inspiring leader.
The match is unlikely to be high-scoring, given Capello’s tactical nous and the fact they would be more than happy with a draw. They will view this as the hardest game of the group and would take 0-0 if it was offered to them now. Betting odds of 3/1 looks like a great price but the safer bet is to take draw/Russia on the double chance market at 7/9 with bet-at-home.