Poland and Senegal clash on Tuesday in a finely-poised Group H World Cup match-up.

With Japan and Colombia making up the quartet, it is fair to say the two qualifying berths are really up for grabs.

Here, we take a look at the key battles as both teams lock horns at the Spartak Stadium.

The First Line of Defence

KAMIL GLIK v KALIDOU KOULIBALY

Experienced Monaco centre-back Glik has had a shoulder problem leading up to the tournament but it is vital he is fit and firing for the Poles.

The presence of Thiago Cionek and Artur Jedrzejczyk alongside him in a rigid back three has made Poland hard to break down and they know if they keep things together, there is always a chance of nicking a goal at the top of the pitch.

The Napoli powerhouse, viewed as one of the top central defenders in European football, could be playing in a Manchester United shirt next term, but for now, is tasked with making sure Senegal are focused and all singing from the same hymn sheet.

Both Glik and Koulibaly are top defenders and crucial to their respective sides’ chances.

In-demand: Kalidou Koulibaly.

 

The Midfield Engine Room

GRZEGORZ KRYCHOWIAK v IDRISSA GUEYE

Krychowiak, who spent last season on loan at relegated West Brom but is due to return to parent club Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the new campaign, drops anchor to give licence to Poland’s more attacking stars to get forward and influence proceedings.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Gueye was one of the few Toffees stars to bank much credit after a miserable campaign overall for the Merseysiders.

Never short of energy or shy of launching himself into a tackle, the 28-year-old is the heartbeat to this team alongside West Ham destroyer Cheikhou Kouyate. Their experience should be telling in a group whereby margins are set to be slim and most matches could be finely poised.

Poland’s midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is a midfield enforcer.

The Main Men in Attack

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI v SADIO MANE

Amazingly, this is the Bayern Munich hitman’s first World Cup and he will be desperate, at the age of 30, to make his mark in what could prove to be a really pivotal summer.

The pace, energy and trickery of Piotr Zielinski, who enjoyed a stunning season with Napoli, will help provide ammunition but ultimately it is down to Lewandowski to fire Poland out of this group.

Another man who needs no introduction really is Mane. The Liverpool ace enjoyed a sensational season and is one of African football’s finest-ever exports.

If he dazzles, Senegal have a real chance of progressing.

Sadio Mane is set to be a huge star at the World Cup.