The Best Bet: How to treble your money on Russia vs Saudi Arabia

There’s always plenty of pressure on the host nation to win the opening match of the tournaments but that weight of expectation is even heavier on Russia, with the bookies making them strong favourites to overcome Saudi Arabia.

The AFC qualifiers are the lowest seed in a group that is deemed by the vast majority as the weakest at the World Cup this summer, but they will - or at least should - approach Thursday’s encounter with no fear.

The Green Falcons are out as far as 10.8 with Marathon Bet at the time of writing to pull off an upset in Moscow, while Russia are as low as 1.35 with Black Type despite having failed to win since early October.

Given Saudi Arabia most recent friendly outing ended in a very respectable 2-1 defeat to a full strength Germany side, Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men are being underestimated in my view.

The Argentine may have only taken charge last November but the national side have managed to fit in 12 matches since then in preparation for this summer and there’s an understanding and familiarity to their side that Russia are lacking right now.

As such the handicap market would be my angle for the curtain raiser this week, with Unibet offering a price of 3.05 on Saudi Arabia +1. A draw or victory for the underdogs would ensure a win, while a defeat by a single goal would see your stake refunded, so it’s a low risk bet with plenty of opportunity for a decent profit.