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Aron Wright - June 3, 2021
Russia vs Bulgaria
International – Friendlies
Date: Saturday, 5 June 2021
Kick-off at 16:00 UK/ 17:00 CET
Venue: VTB Arena.
After their run till the Quarter Final in the 2018 World Cup, great things are expected from Russia. They are trying to build good momentum before the Euros commence, and against the struggling Bulgaria, they are the favorites.
Russia are ranked 38th in the world, as opposed to Bulgaria, who are placed 71st. The former were also part of League B in the recently-concluded Nations League, and had narrowly missed out on the top-most spot in their group.
Had they finished as toppers, they could have made it to the prestigious League A. They had scored the most number of goals through the tournament, and they had remained unbeaten at home through the campaign.
Furthermore, they had finished second in Group I in the Euro Qualifiers, and thus secured entry into the continental competition.
The first-ranked team in the world, Belgium ended up toppers, and the Russians had a 100% winning record in the competition, disregarding their games against the toppers.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria were a part of League B in the latest edition of the UNL. However, they had finished bottom-most in their group, and thus got relegated to League C. They had failed to register a single win, and had conceded the most number of goals.
Moreover, they had finished fourth in Group A in the Euro Qualifiers, with a single win. Note that the group was comprised of just five teams in total.
Finally, Bulgaria also have a poor h2h record against this foe over the years.
By the looks of things, expect a Russian victory this Saturday at the VTB Arena.
Russia were unbeaten in 16 of their past 21 overall fixtures, and they have lost just twice at home in the past three-year period. They also have the confidence of making it till the Quarters in the World Cup, and are determined to make a deep run in the Euros.
On the other hand, their counterparts were winless in 24 of their preceding 26 matches, and in the process they had gone on two separate four-fixture losing streaks.
Do also note that Bulgaria have a total of one win on the road in the last five-year period.
Finally, Russia have a 100% winning record in h2h meetings at home as well.
By the looks of things, expect a Russian win this weekend. Do also expect goals in plenty, owing to the determination of the hosts.
