Russia 2018 Preview - Group A

Hi there LOBers! In order to assist you in your prediction-making for our Russia 2018 Predictions Game, I'm starting a series of threads this week that will preview the various groups. Let's get started with Group A. As with many of the groups this summer, I'm a bit underwhelmed by this lot.

Russia - Russia enter the 2018 World Cup, a showpiece for the Putin regime, as one of the weaker host nations in recent history, on par with the likes of the US in 1994 or South Africa in 2010. Russia have failed to get out of the group during their three other appearances at the World Cup Finals; however, this may be their best chance to do so and surely a group stage exit would mean an arsenic-laced bowl of soup for manager Stanislav Cherchesov. It's an aging squad built around the CSKA and Zenit boys Igor Akinfeev, Igor Smolnikov, Yuri Zherkov and Alexsandr Samdemov, who are all the wrong side of 30. Best hope for goals is Krasdonar striker Fyodor Smolov.

Saudi Arabia - The Saudis are an unsettled bunch at the moment having burned through two managers since achieving qualification by placing second in Group B in the Asian confederation qualifying ahead of the Aussies. In four previous trips to the finals, the Saudis have only made it out of the group once (at USA 1994) and they'll likely struggle to get out of the group this time around. Much of the Saudi's hopes will rest on the shoulders of striker Mohammad Al-Sahlawi who has an impressive strike record of nearly a goal a game when playing for the national side.

Egypt - Let's be honest now. Egypt's chances in Russia this summer were blown up by Real Madrid's master of the dark arts Sergio Ramos when he locked arms with Mo Salah, dislocating his shoulder in the process. Without him, Hector Cuper's team is distinctly ordinary. Watching Egypt this summer will be reminiscent of watching an English league match, though as Arsenal's Mohammad Elneny, Villa's Ahmed Elmohemedy, Wigan's Sam Morsy, and Stoke's Ramadan Sobhi are all likely to feature.

Uruguay - Last time around, Uruguay were tossed into the Group of Death alongside England and Italy, so they'll be breathing a sigh of relief about their draw this summer. After finishing second in CONMEBOL qualifying for Russia 2018, Uruguay must fancy their chances. Getting out of this duff group should be a doddle for Biter Suarez and co. Uruguay as always are a team of two sides, rugged at the back but entertaining up front with Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the line. They are getting on a bit, though. A win in this group would pair them up against likely Portugal in the Round of 16. Who wouldn't want to see Suarez sink his choppers into Ronaldo's thigh, eh?

Prediction - Uruguay to top the group, perhaps with three wins on the trot. Russia to place, just. The solid but unspectacular Saudis to be edged out and Egypt for the sad spectacle of being knocked out when Salah's presence could have meant so much more.