Russia v Egypt - Preview and possible lineups

Russia: 

The hosts will be without Alan Dzagoev, who came off during the opening game against Saudi Arabia with a hamstring problem, and looks set to miss the rest of the campaign. It seems logical that he will be replaced by Denis Cheryshev, who scored twice off the bench in the opener.

Defender Yuri Zhirkov trained on his own on Sunday due to an ankle problem, however he looks likely to be passed fit for Tuesday.

Egypt:

All eyes will be on Egypt's starting lineup ahead of kick-off, as we await the news over whether Mo Salah is fit enough to start. The in-form forward wasn't risked against Uruguay, despite apparently being passed fit, however having lost their first game, it seems that the 'Pharoahs' may have to roll the dice and start their key man against Russia if they are to make it through the group. He will have a fitness test before the game, but it would be a surprise if the Liverpool man didn't feature in some form.

Right-back Ahmed Fathi, who wore the armband when Egypt lost against Uruguay, looks set to play after shaking off a minor muscle injury picked up in the previous game, while midfielder Tarek Hamed is also expected to be ready for action.

Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov​:

Cherchesov revealed his plan for the game during a press conference ahead of the tie.

“Teams must run fast, play fast and use whatever tactics to counter whatever team they are playing," he said. "And my team is no exception."

"I believe in my team, I believe in my players and we are ready to do this – and we will do this."

Egypt boss Hector Cuper:

Much of the build-up to the game has involved discussion about Salah, but Cuper made it clear that Egypt are not a one-man team.

“Every coach has his own strategy and they prepare for matches according to their own philosophy," he said. “Mo Salah is just one player. I think it is great if Russia are only focusing on him."

“He’s a crucial player, a wonderful player. But I never prepare a team just to stop one player."

Did you know?

These two teams have never met before, however Russia are unbeaten against African sides at the World Cup since the end of the Soviet Union. Egypt have only kept one clean sheet at a World Cup, back in 1990, and they are yet to win a game at the tournament (D2, L3).

Form:

Possible lineups:

Russia: Akinfeev, Zhirkov, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Fernandes, Gazinski, Zobnin, Cheryshev, Golovin, Samedov, Dyzuba.

Egypt: Elshanawy, Abdel-Shafy, Hegazy, Ali Gabr, Fathi, Elneny, Hamed, Trezeguet, Abdalla, Warda, Salah.