World Cup 2018: Paul Merson predicts the first round of group-stage games

“Portugal face Spain on Friday in an encounter which could pit the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta against one another”

The biggest tournament in world football is almost upon us.

There is only one day to go now until hosts Russia kickoff the 2018 World Cup, with an opening clash against Saudi Arabia set for the Luzhniki Stadium at 4pm (BST) tomorrow afternoon.

A day later sees one of the most compelling group-stage match-ups go ahead, as Portugal take on Spain in an encounter which could pit the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta against one another.

Argentina will try and avoid a big slip up in their opener against World Cup debutants Iceland on Saturday, as will France, who face Australia on the very same day.

Reigning champions Germany are joint favourites to win the competition once more, but they will have to avoid a potential banana skin in their first game against Mexico on Sunday, with the likes of Javier Hernandez and Hector Herrera hoping to pull off an upset.

As for England, they start their World Cup campaign by taking on Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena on Monday.

Former England international and Sky Sports pundit Merson has tried his luck at calling the score each opening group-stage game.

So who does Merse reckon will be victorious?

CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE PAUL MERSON’S WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS.