Against All Odds: Russia to prove a bridge too far for Brazil

Capello will no doubt want to leave his mark in London

Brazil and Russia meet at Stamford Bridge for a friendly tonight and Paul Robinson thinks that Luiz Felipe Scolari will have to wait even longer for his first victory in his second spell as boss.

The Brazilians led Italy 2-0 last Thursday but their defensive frailties became apparent once more as the Italians scored twice in three minutes during the second half. 'Big Phil' will likely recall Thiago Silva and Marcelo to the first team to bolster the backline but they will have to be at their best to help them earn their first clean sheet in five matches.

Scolari was installed as manager to lead the Samba Boys into Rio 2014 but it remains to be seen if he still has what it takes to succeed. Since he flopped at Chelsea he didn't exactly set the world alight at Bunyodkor and despite winning the Copa de Brasil at Palmeiras, he was dismissed in 2012 with the club in the relegation zone.

Russia also have a new man in charge in the form of former England manager Fabio Capello. The Italian has done much better than his counterpart though as since taking over in July 2012, the Russians are undefeated.

After having their World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland postponed twice, it's not exactly been an ideal preparation for Russia. They have pretty much a full strength squad to choose from though, with the only absentee being Igor Denisov. 

The Russians have won five of their last six - all to nil - with the only blip being a 2-2 draw with the United States. They may not have faced too many stop sides during that period, although they did beat Portugal, but they are a thoroughly professional outfit and they will be highly motivated to get their first ever victory over Brazil in the country's history.

Brazil are trading as low as 1.645/8 for this match and that is just far too short given recent form. It seems the game has been priced up on reputation, so with that in mind, I have to make Brazil my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Brazil v Russia @ 1.645/8 

This match is live on ITV4 at 19:30

2013 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 83 pts
Returned: 81 pts
P/L – 2 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)