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World Cup: Premier League stars on display this weekend after Russia win

By Orri Benatar

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 23: #10 Mohamed Salah of Egypt in action during the International Friendly between Portugal and Egypt at the Letzigrund Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty Images)
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 23: #10 Mohamed Salah of Egypt in action during the International Friendly between Portugal and Egypt at the Letzigrund Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty Images) /
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The World Cup began with Russia thrashing Saudi Arabia 5-0. The weekend will see the first EPL stars shine in Russia.

The 2018 World Cup has started with a bang. The hosts Russia obliterated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the biggest margin of victory ever for a World Cup opener. Three of Russia’s five goals were scored by substitutes, including this outside of the boot beauty from Denis Cheryshev.

Russia and Saudi Arabia don’t have EPL players. The stars of the Premier League will begin to play tomorrow. My pal Ashley Anthony broke down which ones will perform and which ones won’t. Here, I will just look at which players we will likely see in this weekend’s matches. For some reaction on Russia’s win and some weekend predictions, check out episode 34 of ‘Road to Moscow’ with myself and Esteban Bailey.

Egypt v Uruguay

Mo Salah is the biggest EPL star of them all and will play against Uruguay despite the shoulder injury he received in the Champions League final. Egypt’s best midfielder Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal should also be starting tomorrow in Ekaterinburg.

Morocco v Iran

Romain Saiss is the only EPL player in this game.

Portugal v Spain

I fully expect Cedric to be at right-back. Joao Mario and Bernardo Silva have good chances to start also in the Iberian Derby. David De Gea and David Silva will play big roles for La Furia Roja tomorrow amidst the chaos.

France v Australia

All five French EPL players should start (Lloris, Mendy, Pogba, Kante, and Giroud). Both Aussie EPL players should start also (Ryan and Mooy).

Argentina v Iceland

No Lanzini means Argentina have four EPL players on their roster. Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Rojo are the likeliest to begin play. Gonzalo Higuain is usually preferred to Sergio Aguero. The three Iceland EPL stars will start (Sigurdsson, Gudmundsson, and Gunnarsson).

Peru v Denmark

Denmark’s best players are Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, and Andreas Christensen. They will all play while Andre Carillo of Peru should be playing as well.

Croatia v Nigeria

I expect at least three EPL players to start this game. Dejan Lovren is a staple at centerback for Croatia. Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Moses will play and either or both Kelechi Iheanacho or Alex Iwobi will come on as a sub with Odion Ighalo expected to start.

Costa Rica v Serbia

Costa Rica is one of six teams in Russia without a single EPL player. Serbia’s goals could come only from EPL players with Dusan Tadic and Aleksandar Mitrovic being their biggest threats.

Germany v Mexico

Mesut Ozil will start, Ilkay Gundogan and Antonio Rudiger probably will not. Javier Hernandez is the only Mexican EPL player and the best player on El Tri.

Brazil v Switzerland

Danilo and Gabriel Jesus should be starting for Brazil to open their World Cup. They will have plenty of EPL power on the bench with Willian and Roberto Firmino. Granit Xhaka is the only Swiss EPL player I would expect to start. Edmilson Fernandes should be on the bench.

Next: 2018-19 EPL schedule released

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