Form and Line-up Russia
Karpin's side have been in excellent form since losing 0:1 away to Egypt in late May. They won five of their next six matches, and could have avoided a 3:3 draw with Nigeria — Russia were firmly in control of that game. Their trip to Tashkent began with defensive problems, but Karpin turned the match around with his substitutions — Nikolai Komlichenko scored twice and Aleksei Miranchuk hit the winner in the 79th minute. Russia fully deserved their win over Uzbekistan on xG (2.30–0.64).
Karpin's side have won five of their six matches since June.
Russia have scored 3+ goals in five of their last six matches.
Russia scored three goals in the final 20 minutes against Uzbekistan — all of them came from substitutes.
Probable Russia line-up (4-3-3): Matvei Safonov, Danil Krugovoy, Aleksandr Silyanov, Viktor Melekhin, Ilya Vakhaniya, Aleksey Batrakov, Matvey Kislyak, Ivan Oblyakov, Lechi Sadulaev, Nikolai Komlichenko, Aleksei Miranchuk.
Form and Line-up Venezuela
A year ago, Venezuela missed out on a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs in the final round after a heavy 3:6 defeat to Colombia. The South Americans conceded 28 goals in that qualifying campaign — only Bolivia had a worse defensive record (35), yet Bolivia reached the play-offs before losing the final to Iraq. Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has been in charge of the national team since January. Under the former Nantes defender, Venezuela have won two of seven friendlies and ended October with two goalless draws against South Korea and Jordan (both 0:0).
Since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Venezuela have won 3 of their 10 friendlies.
Vizcarrondo's side scored just one goal in three matches during their first autumn international window.
Venezuela's squad is worth almost three times less than Russia's (€89.4 million compared with €243.1 million).
Probable Venezuela line-up (5-4-1): Cristopher Varela, Juan Sánchez, Delvin Alfonzo, Yordan Osorio, Andrusw Araujo, Carlos Vivas, Edson Tortolero, Marco Libra, Daniel Pereira, Wikelman Carmona, Jovanny Bolivar.
