The Best Bet: Huge odds on Salah to return with a goal against Russia

Entering the game in very different moods, hosts Russia’s victory over Saudi Arabia may have been expected but the manner and margin of the 5-0 win was a huge boost to both the team and the fans.

Egypt, meanwhile, were moments away from an impressive point in their opener with Uruguay and what might have been seen as a masterstroke from Hector Cuper.

The Pharaohs boss had suggested in the run up to the game that Mohamed Salah would start, let alone feature, but with the game goalless and edging towards a positive result Cuper decided not to take the risk on his star man’s fitness.

Many have since stated that it was a mistake in hindsight, but the Liverpool forward should have benefitted from the extra rest and is all but certain to start what is now a must win game against the hosts.

Moreover, while Russia impressed in their opener in attack, they were completely untested from a defensive standpoint and their issues remain in that department. If Salah can get into one-on-one situations against veteran defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Yuri Zhirkov down the left he has all the tools to cause huge problems for the hosts on the counter.

For a player who broke the Premier League scoring record last season, netting 32 goals and a further ten in the Champions League, to be out as far as 3.25 with Betfair to find the net at any time against a questionable defence is quite remarkable.