Senegal vs Colombia. FIFA World Cup Group H.
Samara ArenaAttendance41,970.
Japan face Poland in other Group H match
Thursday 28 June 2018 17:31, UK
Senegal and Colombia will battle for qualification from World Cup Group H when they meet in Samara on Thursday (3pm BST).
Senegal are on four points after two matches while Colombia are on three. The other match in Group H sees Japan face already-eliminated Poland.
A draw for Senegal will see them qualify for the last 16, regardless of how current group leaders Japan fare in their match.
World Cup fixtures
World Cup latest
Colombia could qualify with a draw as long as Japan lose. However, if Japan avoid defeat then Colombia need to win to set up a clash with either Belgium or England from Group G in the last 16.
Colombia started their campaign with defeat by Japan but bounced back with an impressive 3-0 win over Poland.
"The team played as a unit and the football emerged from this unity," said Colombia coach Jose Pekerman after the victory.
"It led to the goals and now we have a good position in this World Cup."
Senegal opened with a 2-1 victory over Poland before a 2-2 draw against Japan that disappointed head coach Aliou Cisse.
"We were not very good, frankly," Cisse said. "I think the best team on the pitch was Japan, I have to be honest."
Despite winning comfortably against Poland last time out, Pekerman has hinted he might make changes against Senegal.
Carlos Sanchez could return to the Colombia starting XI after being suspended for the second match following his red card against Japan.
Senegal have no injury issues but could be tempted to keep things tight, with only a point required to reach the last 16.
Senegal and Colombia have faced each other just once before, in a friendly in May 2014, with Colombia taking a 2-0 lead into half-time, only to concede two goals in the second half.
Senegal have faced South American opponents just once before in the World Cup, drawing 3-3 in the final group stage game of 2002 against Uruguay.
James Rodriguez has been involved in 10 goals in seven World Cup appearances for Colombia (6 goals, 4 assists).
Colombia registered their joint-biggest World Cup win in their 3-0 victory over Poland, also winning by three-goal margins against Greece (3-0) and Japan (4-1) in 2014.
Sadio Mane found the net against Japan, the 15th match he'd scored in for Senegal - they are yet to lose any of those (W9 D6).
Colombia have scored four goals from seven shots on target at the 2018 World Cup, scoring three goals from four shots on target in their 3-0 win over Poland.
Group H is the group of death because it's so hard to split the teams. They are all around the same level and so closely matched. Senegal had progression in the palm of their hand against Japan but let the lead slip twice and now they face a huge challenge to reach the knockout face, especially after Colombia hit form against Poland. They returned to form in style on Sunday evening and with Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez hitting their straps that should prove to be the difference.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)