DR Congo
DR Congo are competing at a second world cup finals following their debut campaign back in 1974 as Zaire. They were beaten in all 3 games back then so already this has been a much more succesful campaign and they stand on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Manager Sebastien Desabre guided his side to a well fought point on Matchday 1 against much fancied Portugal, they fell behind early to a Joao Neves header but equalised just before half-time through Newcastle Utd striker Yoane Wissa.
Unfortunately for “The Leopards” they were unable to re-produce that form on Matchday 2 when they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia through a Daniel Munoz goal. In truth they didn’t deserve anything from that game but they still have their own destiny in there hands.
Injuries & Team News
Desabre has so far utilised a back five in games against Portugal and Colombia, but the DRC manager may opt for four at the back on Saturday, given the need for maximum points.
That switch could mean Steve Kapuadi is dropped for the final fixture, leaving Chances Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe at centre-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku operating at full-back.
As ever, the attacking responsibility falls on Yoane Wissa, who remains the DRC’s only goalscorer at a World Cup, and Cedric Bakambu, whose 21 international goals better anyone else in the Leopards squad.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-1 vs Colombia |
W W D L D L
|
Predicted Line-Up
Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bongonda, Bakambu, Wissa
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan came through Asian Qualifying to make it to their debut World Cup campaign. They have been handed a tough Group with Portugal, Colombia & DR Congo. They have found the going tough but do still have a very slim chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
On Matchday 1 against Colombia they showed that they could be competitive and despite falling behind to a Daniel Munoz first half goal they hit back to level on 60 minutes through Abbosbek Fayzullaev but ran out of steam and were punished by Luis Diaz and a late late own goal by Jaminton Campaz saw them beaten 3-1.
Injuries & Team News
Having been doubtful for Uzbekistan’s fixture against Portugal after his late withdrawal with a suspected injury in their tournament opener, Rustam Ashurmatov’s involvement against the 2016 European champions suggests Cannavaro has a fully fit squad for Saturday’s decisive match.
Although Eldor Shomurodov remains the White Wolves’ talismanic captain, the 44-goal forward has yet to add to his Uzbekistan tally at the World Cup.
Abbosbek Fayzullayev remains the Asian nation’s only goalscorer at a Mundial, and a goal against the Congolese would see him join Shomurodov (44), Igor Sergeev (25) and Oston Urunov (10) as players in the current squad to have reached double figures for the national team.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-5 vs Portugal | D D L L L L |
Predicted Line-Up
Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:
Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullayev, Ashurmatov; Karimov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullayev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo Win | 4/5 – (1.83) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3/1 – (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Uzbekistan Win | 4/1 – (5.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
DR Congo 2-1 Uzbekistan
Both these sides can still make the knockout phase but it is more likely for DR Congo and I think they will have two much for an Uzbekistan side who have performed very well so far, this just might be a game to far and DR Congo can progress with a narrow win.