Tipsters expect Russia to overcome Slovenia

Tipsters believe Russia will be among the teams enjoying an easier ride in the first legs of the World Cup play-off ties tonight as they host Slovenia.

Guus Hiddink's men were unlucky not to go straight through to South Africa and missed out courtesy of a loss to Germany in their league qualification fixtures.

Instead they play Slovenia, who must first face the Russians in Moscow tonight before the return leg on Wednesday.

CBC Sports has gone through the fixture with a fine tooth comb, with all three if its soccer commentators predicting a home win on Saturday with no goals in reply for Slovenia.

"The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will be full to capacity, and I don't expect the Slovenians to be able to upset the odds," says Jason de Vos.

"Russia coach Guus Hiddink is too clever to let this opportunity slip through his fingers, and in Andrei Arshavin, he has one of Europe 's top players at his disposal."

Slovenia are unlikely to capitulate entirely however, as they chalked up a strong defensive record in qualifying, letting in just four in 10 games.

Betfair is offering World Cup odds of 6.80 for the 2-0 Russian win predicted by de Vos, while Betfair is offering 1.39 for a Russian win and 11.00 for Slovenia, while the draw is at 5.20.