Russia v Wales
Monday June 20, 20:00 BST
Live on ITV 4
Monday June 20, 20:00 BST
Live on ITV 4
Russia
It's been a miserable tournament for the Russians on all fronts thus far as their fans have disgraced them off the field and the players haven't done much better on it.
They were thoroughly outplayed by England in their opener but somehow scraped a point, however they weren't so lucky next time against Slovakia as they were beaten 2-1.
The pressure is now on Leonid Slutsky and while he can rightly point to some key injuries, there's no hiding from their abject displays thus far. Nevertheless, a win here would probably see them through to the last 16, but it will take a huge improvement from the attacking players who have all looked poor.
Wales
When Gareth Bale's free kick hit the net in Lens on Thursday it seemed that the Welsh were on the verge of securing qualification to the knockout phase of the tournament.
A second-half comeback from England has left things in the balance though and only a win over Russia would guarantee safe passage. In reality a draw would probably be enough to see them through - possibly even as runners-up - so don't expect a gung-ho attitude to try and secure the three points.
Chris Coleman's men have always been better at defending than they have attacking anyway and that is highlighted by the fact that they conceded just four goals in qualifying.
They are yet to keep a clean sheet in the finals themselves, but they now face their weakest opponents on current form.
Match Odds
Russia 2.72 Wales 3.00 The Draw 3.30
This is a pretty tight market with the Russians being put in as the marginal favourites. That must be on reputation alone though as they have been one of the worst sides in the entire 24 team tournament and they don't look capable of beating anybody at the moment.
I wouldn't want to be investing heavily in the Welsh either though as if Gareth Bale doesn't score, it's difficult to see anybody else troubling Igor Akinfeev too much.
The Welsh have enough defensive qualities to contain the misfiring Russia team and with a point almost certainly seeing them into the last 16, I think the value is on the draw.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5 Goals 2.54 Under 2.5 Goals 1.64
There is no doubt in my mind that under 2.5 goals is the most likely outcome here but I wouldn't be interested in investing heavily at such a short price.
Under 1.5 is available to back at a more generous 2.88 but the draw is half a point bigger than that and the second selection I like is almost double figures...
Correct Score
There have only been two 0-0s in the tournament to date but I think that this could be the third. Russia have shown little going forward and Wales have a very organised defence.
Chris Coleman will be monitoring the score in the England game and if Hodgson's team are winning, don't expect Wales to push forward when a point would secure second place.
Recommended Bets
Back The Draw @ 3.30
Back a 0-0 Correct Score @ 9.00
