Ahead of their Group B clash on Monday, Russia and Wales UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Share with us your thoughts and predictions by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
RUSSIA – Lenar Sayfullin (FIFA Match Agent, Dubai)
Russia coach Leonid Slutskiy has told the media that he will make some changes to the starting XI for the last group stage match; most likely, the same players who finished the match against Slovakia will start against Wales.
That means that Roman Shirokov will replace Aleksandr Kokorin, with Denis Glushakov and Pavel Mamaev also likely to get the nod after replacing Roman Neustadter and Aleksandr Golovin respectively. Golovin may be granted a reprieve though, as Oleg Shatov is having some muscles issues and might not be able to take part in the game.
The 2-1 defeat to Slovakia was a disgraceful performance, particularly in the first-half. Russia are not down and out yet, though. Only a win against Wales can get us to the next stage, and even that is dependent on other results, but we will have to do our bit and give the fans something to smile about for the first time in France!
PREDICTION: Russia 2-1 Wales
LIKELY RUSSIA XI: Akinfeev, Berezutskiy, Ignashevich, Smolnikov, Shennikov, Glushakov, Mamaev, Golovin, Shirokov, Smolov, Dzyuba
RUSSIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Denis Glushakov – He started both previous matches on the bench but both times he has come on as substitute has looked impressive and even scored our goal against Slovakia. Coach Slutskiy said that Glushakov is ready to play 90 minutes match against Wales.
WALES PLAYER TO FEAR: Gareth Bale – I’m sure everyone else has said him but who else could it be? He’s a top player and has scored twice in two games so far during Euro 2016. We must be aware of his free-kicks!
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Media Rotana Hotel
WALES – Danny Phillips (Dealer Development, Dubai)
There has been much talk in the Welsh press about Chris Coleman not being attack-minded enough, particularly in the defeat to England, but I for one am hoping that he ignores all of this talk and plays to the plan that has worked perfectly well for Wales over the past 18 months.
Wales have been excellent for nearly two years playing with a solid defence and hitting teams on the break using the pace of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s fantastic to think that we have our fate in our own hands in the final group game. This is exactly what we wanted and it seems that even a draw will be enough to take us into the last-16, aka dreamland!
The Russia game gives Wales a chance for revenge. We lost to them 13 years ago in the Euro 2004 qualification play-offs so victory in Toulouse would be so sweet. I was at the Millennium Stadium that night and Wales simply did not turn up. Here’s hoping they will this time. Cymru am byth!
PREDICTION: Russia 2-2 Wales
LIKELY WALES XI: Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Chester, Williams, Davies, Ledley, Taylor, Allen, Ramsey, Bale, Robson-Kanu
WALES PLAYER TO WATCH: Aaron Ramsey – The Arsenal midfielder was busy against England but struggled to really create anything. It’s time for the blonde beacon to step up.
RUSSIA PLAYER TO FEAR: Artem Dzyuba – The Russia centre forward is an absolute man mountain and while Ashley Williams and James Chester are decent in the air, they will definitely have their hands full.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: ON42 at the Media One Hotel
