LIVE: Russia v New Zealand | 2017 Confederations Cup

Home side Russia are heavily favored to win their opening encounter in Group A, the tournament hosts expected to make easy work of New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.

This will be the final competitive games for Stanislav Cherchesov’s men ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup. New Zealand come into this competition as Oceania champions but have failed to score in four of their last five matches while Russia have won each of their last five outings.

Russia need to make a statement, and with just one defeat from their last five fixtures, this should end in a victory. The home side will most likely use a three-man back line but with instructions for the wing-backs to push on more than they usually might.

Fyodor Smolov is the star striker expected to lead their line, as he has been prolific for FC Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League. New Zealand, meanwhile, regularly struggle to find the net.

Prediction: Russia 2-0 New Zealand

Match K.O at 17:00 Cairo Local Time

https://youtu.be/xvQ1XluqakU