Russia is ready for its first clash of striking superstars - if Reds ace Salah is fit to take on Barcelona's Suarez, who was banned for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at Brazil 2014
LIVERPOOL stars present and past may lock horns with Luis Suarez lining up against Mo Salah if he is fit.
Egypt are the most successful African nation, having won the continent’s Cup of Nations seven times.
Known as The Pharaohs. there’s talk of boss Hector Cuper adopting a pyramid formation in the starting line up.
BAD BOY: Suarez has been dying to get his teeth back into some World Cup action as this is his return to action from serving a nine game ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at Brazil 2014.
THE NATION EXPECTS: Egypt are back at the finals for the first time in 28 years.
They have a tough opening game against the Group A favourites but second place is a plausible achievement.
Uruguay have won the trophy twice but are dwarfed by South American giants Brazil and Argentina these days.
With Suarez back though anything can happen - good or bad.
KEY BATTLES/STAR MEN: No need to look beyond the two forwards, Suarez and Salah. Both have a point to prove for vastly different reasons. Suarez is to regain his dignity and Salah to show he is truly world class.
WEAKEST LINKS: Captain Essam El-Hadary will become the oldest player in World Cup history if he plays on Friday afternoon.
But at 45 years old, is that a good thing or does it show frailties in the squad?
Luis Suarez is a brilliant striker but has been mentally unhinged with his three previous biting attacks on opponents. Which one will turn up?
LIKELY LINE-UPS AND TEAM TALKS: Egypt boss Hector Cuper considers his defensive policy an attribute, appreciating that his team has Premier League stars dotted throughout but they cannot match Uruguay for style.
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Elshenewy; Fathi, Gabr, Hegazi, Abdel Shafi; Hamed, Elneny; Sobhi, Said, Warda; Salah
Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez insists all 23 of his players are in ‘tip top’ condition, while he needs a crutch to help him get about at 71 - the oldest coach at the tournament.
Uruguay (4-4-2): Muslera; Varela, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres; Nandez, Vecino, Bentancur, De Arrascaeta; Cavani, Suarez.
QUALIFYING RESULTS
Second Round
14/11/2015 Chad A 0-1
17/11/2015 Chad H 4-0
Third Round
09/10/2016 Congo A 2-1
13/11/2016 Ghana H 2-0
31/08/2017 Uganda A 0-1
05/09/2017 Uganda H 1-0
08/10/2017 Congo H 2-1
12/11/2017 Ghana A 1-1
TOP SCORERS:
5 Mohamed Salah
3 Abdalla El Said
2 Koka
MOST APPEARANCES:
8 Mohamed Elneny
6 Ahmed Hegazy
6 Abdalla El Said
QUALIFYING RESULTS
08/10/2015 Bolivia A 2-0
14/10/2015 Colombia H 3-0
12/11/2015 Ecuador A 1-2
17/11/2015 Chile H 3-0
26/03/2016 Brazil A 2-2
30/03/2016 Peru H 1-0
02/09/2016 Argentina A 0-1
07/09/2016 Paraguay H 4-0
07/10/2016 Venezuela H 3-0
11/10/2016 Colombia A 2-2
10/11/2016 Ecuador H 2-1
15/11/2016 Chile A 1-3
23/03/2017 Brazil H 1-4
29/03/2017 Peru A 1-2
01/09/2017 Argentina H 0-0
06/09/2017 Paraguay A 2-1
05/10/2017 Venezuela A 0-0
11/10/2017 Bolivia H 4-2
TOP SCORERS
10 Edinson Cavani
5 Luis Suarez
3 Martin Caceres
3 Diego Godin
MOST APPEARANCES
17 Fernando Muslera
16 Diego Godin
15 Carlos Sanchez
15 Edinson Cavani
BEST BET: A draw at 13/5 seems tempting as both teams feel themselves out. .
PREM TSAR IN THE MAKING: Arsenal are believed to be heavily in for Lucas Torreira of Sampdoria, who at 22 is preparing for his first World Cup.
THE STAT THAT MATTERS: Egypt have never won a World Cup game, drawing twice and losing their other two games, while Uruguay are winless in their last six World Cup openers.
