The Stats Zone
June 22 2018, 10:38 · Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Nigeria vs Iceland Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 22nd June, 16:00

Where? Volgograd Arena

What channel is it on? BBC1

Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-d-argentina-iceland-croatia-nigeria-tickets/ca5914

THE TEAM NEWS

NIGERIA

  • Nigeria started their World Cup campaign with a really disappointing loss to Croatia and have plenty of improvements to make for this game if they are to have any hope of progressing to the knockout phase.
  • Coach Gernot Rohr has some options to rotate so that could see the likes of Musa, Iheanacho and Nwankwo get some playing time and he may want to shake it up a little to spark a reaction.
  • They desperately need more from their front three in terms of creativity, while their midfield will also have to step up against Iceland, who will match them up in terms of formation.

Predicted line-up (4-3-3):

Uzoho

Shehu, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Idowu

Mikel, Ndidi, Etebo

Iwobi, Ighalo, Moses

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

ICELAND

  • Iceland came from behind to manage a draw against group favourites Argentina and they will be full of confidence after that result as they look to continue being the revelation of the tournament after their EURO2016 heroics.
  • They will likely be without Johann Berg Gudmundsson who was forced off with a knock so that will see Gislason come into midfield which is a fairly natural replacement and should not affect them too much.
  • The rest of the team will be unchanged as Hallgrimsson will have no concerns about what is one of the fittest and fastest squads in the tournament.

Predicted line-up (4-4-1-1):

Halldorsson

Saevarsson, R. Sigurdsson, Arnason, Magnusson

Gislason, Hallfredsson, Gunnarsson, Bjarnason

G. Sigurdsson

Finnbogason

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: J. Gudmundsson

THE PREDICTION

Two very different styles clash in Volgograd for what is a key match for both. Iceland can match Nigeria's pace and power, but have the tactical discipline and organisation to edge this game. It is not easy to predict Iceland to win in a match where they are favoured, as it feels better picking them as underdogs to get something, but we do not see them losing here, and they should have the edge tactically to undo this poor Nigerian team.