Uruguay v Russia Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, preview and predictions

While the hosts have found life easy at the World Cup so far, Al Hain-Cole expects them to enduring a frustrating clash against Tabarez's team

Uruguay and Russia will go head-to-head for top spot in Group A when they meet at the Samara Arena on Monday.

Both sides are already through to the knockout stages after collecting six points from six, although Stanislav Cherchesov’s men boast a far superior goal difference.

Having won 5-0 and 3-1 in their two games, Russia are available at 21/10 (3.10) with bet365 to maintain their 100 per cent record with victory, or 21/10 (3.10) to secure a draw that would see them progress as group winners.

La Celeste have been far less emphatic in winning their two matches by a single goal to nil, but are 8/5 (2.60) favourites to leapfrog their opponents into first place by coming out on top here.

With Alan Dzagoev still sidelined with a hamstring injury, Denis Cheryshev is set to star once again after scoring three goals so far.

Artem Dzyuba is likely to keep his place in his attack following an impressive performance against Egypt.

Oscar Tabarez brought Cristian Rodriguez and Cesar Sanchez into the side for the victory over Saudi Arabia, although he may make more changes after an unconvincing team display.

While expectations were low before the competition began, the Sbornaya have more than done themselves justice so far – making the best start of any host nation in World Cup history.

However, their opponents so far have hardly made life particularly difficult, with Tabarez’s team sure to represent a far greater challenge.

Despite their star name strikeforce, the pragmatic South Americans demonstrated against Saudi Arabia that they are more than willing to merely sit back and soak up pressure before hitting on the counter attack.

This tactic should ensure a tight group decider in Samara, with odds of 11/10 (2.10) looking generous on the majority of goalmouth action not unfolding until after the break.

That bet would have paid out in three of Uruguay’s last four games, as well as both of Russia’s at the tournament so far.