Dugout Discussion – Russia v Slovakia

Group B’s second round of Euro 2016 fixtures gets under way this afternoon when Russia take on Slovakia.

Russia are likely to be the more confident going into this match, thanks to a last minute equaliser from defender Vasili Berezutski in their 1-1 draw with England in the group’s opening fixture. Leonid Slutsky’s side are set to once again rely heavily on their defence, which repelled 15 goal attempts from England.

Meanwhile, Slovakia lost 2-1 to Wales, putting them at the foot of Group B’s table and in desperate need of points. They recorded an impressive 13 efforts on goal against Wales but with just two on target will need to vastly improve their accuracy if they are to break down Russia’s stubborn rearguard. Jan Kozak’s side have not suffered back to back defeats since October 2013 but history is not on their side in this fixture: Slovakia have only scored one goal in their last four outings against Russia.