Sounds like this is the most predictable one amongs the other play-off matches according to the football press. Well, right, there is a class difference between these two teams but in a crucial match up like this while the winner will go to the World Cup, I would think twice before putting any team to the scales by just looking to the names. Motivation always have a big role in these kind of do-or-die play-off games.

Russia are a decent side. They have quality players in the squad and they also performed pretty well in the Euro 2008 and the World Cup Qualification Group Stage, still, failed to advance directly. The experienced coach Hiddink managed these kind of matches a lot in his career. So, the main advantage Russia have here is the experience difference on the tactical and managerial side.

Slovenia on the other hand played some good matches in the qualification group stage. They have a solid defence and a very good goalkeeper. (Better to remind; they have the best defensive record among the all teams in the group stages by conceding only 4 goals.) Some of their players are playing in tough leagues with success. Still, the squad quality on paper as a whole is no where near the Russians, but as mentioned above, the motivational factor comes on to the stage at that point. The Slovenians are more than motivated and as being the underdog; they already have the upper hand psychological wise comparing to Russians from that point of view. The pressure will be on the Russians as most expect a comfortable win from them. We all know what happens to the teams under pressure if they can’t find an early goal, don’t we? And this is a World Cup play-off game we are talking about.

So, I prefer going for a goal prediction. It is wiser. As Russia is not a goal machine despite the all talent they have plus Slovenians motivation and solid defense and goalkeeper; I don’t expect too many goals here. Even if Russia take the early lead in the game I again doubt they will keep attacking with taking too many risks while  a single away goal might cause too much trouble to cover in the second leg.

Prediction
Goals | Under 2,5