Uruguay, Russia to battle for World Cup group A top spot

As Uruguay and Russia are already through to the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2018, both teams will now battle for the top slot in the group A on Monday.

Uruguay will be without the services of their defender Jose Gimenez. The Atletico Madrid centre-back, who scored Uruguay's late winner against Egypt in their opening game, has a thigh injury.

Meanwhile, the host Russia will once again be without midfielder Alan Dzagoev. The CSKA Moscow midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in the opening 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia.

Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov was in bullish mood ahead of their final Group A showdown with Uruguay on Monday, dismissing suggestions his men were under pressure because of their status as World Cup hosts.

While Uruguay and Russia have both won their first two matches, it is the hosts who have appeared most impressive - scoring on eight occasions and conceding just once.

Yet with Portugal and Spain as prospective last-16 opponents, it remains to be seen what advantage either nation will grasp from winning the group when they meet in Samara.

Uruguay's successive 1-0 victories over Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been underpinned by their resolute defence, with star forward Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani yet to catch fire.

Cavani is yet to score at the tournament but Suarez got off the mark by scoring the only goal of the game against Saudi Arabia.

Russia are the lowest ranked team at the tournament but have surpassed expectations by winning their two games so far and securing their place in the knockout stages.