Russia would all but book their place in the quarter-finals of the European Championships with a victory in Warsaw this evening.
However, standing in their way are co-hosts Poland, who know that maximum points are required following their 1-1 draw with Greece on the opening day of the tournament.
Polish coach Franciszek Smuda will reportedly bolster his defensive options for this encounter, having seen the Russians run riot during their 4-1 win over the Czech Republic on day one.
The fact that defensive midfielder Dariusz Dudka was asked to attend a recent press conference has sparked speculation that he will be named in the starting lineup, while attacking midfielder Adrian Mierzejewski is also believed to be in contention.
Przemyslaw Tyto will also deputise between the posts in place of the suspended Wojciech Szczesny.
Roman Pavlyuchenko may be given the nod to start up front for Russia in place of Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who missed several good chances against the Czechs.
The Poles have only beaten Russia once in six competitive matches.
Current form:
Poland: WDWWWD
Russia: DWDDWW
Possible starting lineups:
Poland: Tyto; Piszczek, Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch; Blaszczykowski, Dudka, Murawski, Mierzejewski; Obraniak; Lewandowski
Russia: Malafeev; Anyukov, Ignashevich, A. Berezutski, Zhirkov; Shirokov, Denisov, Zyryanov, Dzagoev; Arshavin; Pavlyuchenko
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Liam Apicella
