Russia travel to Portugal hoping to put speculation over manager Fabio Capello's future aside while taking a huge stride towards World Cup qualification.
The build-up to Russia's Group F test in Lisbon has been overshadowed by reports linking Capello with a return to club football with Paris Saint-Germain.
It is an unhelpful distraction for the group leaders, who have made a superb start to their qualifying campaign.
Russia have won all four of their matches to date to top the group by a point from Israel and Portugal, who have both played two games more.
Another victory at the Estadio da Luz would put the Russians in a commanding position.
Capello's recent remarks have not dampened the speculation over his position.
"I'm happy in Russia at the moment and I'm pleased with my life and work here," the Italian former England manager, who is midway through a two-year contract, told reporters.
"But anything is possible in this life, so never say never."
Defeat would not be too damaging for Russia, who could make up points in their rearranged game against Northern Ireland in August, but for Portugal the encounter is crucial.
After collecting just three wins from six games, Paulo Bento's side have a more urgent need for points.
A loss to Russia in Moscow and a home draw against Northern Ireland in space of four days last October are the chief reasons why the Portuguese have fallen behind.
Goalkeeper Rui Patricio, of Sporting Lisbon, said at a press conference: "There have been games when things have not gone as we wanted but we have the ability to a come back and the match with Russia is right time to do so.
"We want to win this game and ensure our presence at the World Cup.
"We're just focused on winning. That is our main goal and that is what we are preparing for at this stage."
Portugal will be without influential Real Madrid centre-back Pepe through suspension.
Patricio said: "Pepe is very important to us but whoever is in his place will be his equal.
"I have also had games without Cristiano Ronaldo and we have won."
There is another Group F match taking place, but with no bearing on the qualification positions, as Azerbaijan host Luxembourg in Baku.
Neither team have yet won a game with Azerbaijan having collected just three points and Luxembourg a mere two.
North End will welcome the Premier League club to Deepdale on Saturday, July 13, with the Reds then due to embark on their pre-season tour of the Far East, Australia, Norway and the Republic of Ireland.
The friendly fixture comes as both clubs mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Shankly, who played over 400 games during a 16-year spell at Preston before going on to establish himself as one of the game's greatest managers during an illustrious period in charge at Liverpool.
It will be the first time both sides have met since January 2009 when Liverpool progressed past their Lancashire opponents in the FA Cup.
The 24-year-old spent the second half of the season at Home Park and manager John Sheridan is keen for the striker to return to Devon.
Johnson told the Western Gazette: "Both Plymouth and Reuben are looking to carry on the agreement in place at the end of last season.
"They are looking to extend their association."
Reid, who began his career with the Pilgrims, found his first-team opportunities limited at Huish Park last season.
The 18-year-old featured for the U's Under-21 side towards the end of last season having been told he would not be offered a professional contract at MK Dons, where he has spent the last two years.
Colchester were impressed by what they saw of Spence and Under-21 boss Richard Hall told the club's official website: "We got a call to say that Mason was available so we asked if we could have a look at him in our Under-21s games.
"He really impressed us with his attacking prowess from full-back and he also has a great attitude, along with high levels of fitness.
"We won't bring in players for the sake of it, they have to be quality, and Mason certainly fits the bill of what we look for in our full-backs."
