DAVIS CUP PREVIEW, PART I

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Davis Cup play returns this Friday with the World Group stages. Eight match-ups altogether, including the defending champions, Spain, opening play. This is the first of a two part preview.I'll also have some individual match-up previews on the days of the actual matches.

Spain v. Kazikhstan
The defending champions will be on home soil on their preferred surface of clay to face off against the Kaziks, While this should be a mismatch, don't forget that Kazakhstan scored a famous 3-2 away win against the Czech Republic last year before falling to eventual runners-up Argentina in the quarterfinals. Spain's lineup should tell you that they expect these ties to fall their way: Almagro, Ferrero, Granollers and doubles specialist Marc Lopez. Kazakhstan send out their best with Kukushkin, Golubev, Korolev and Schukin. With the surface set to play to Spain's players strengths, Spain should cruise.  
Prediction: Spain Wins 4-1.

Austria v. Russia
Austria looks for their first win ever over Russia in this competiton. The surface is an indoor hard court for the home standing Austrians. Jurgen Melzer captains the squad along with Haider-Maurer and the dynamic doubles duo, Peya and Marach. The Russians send Youzhny, Davydenko, newly crowned Russian Bogomolov, Jr. and Kunitsyn to battle in these rubbers. Melzer will have a lot pressure on him to perform and lead this squad. Last year with Bogomolov in-form, I'd give the Russians the edge. This year, he seems to have regressed or perhaps is not fully fit after suffering an ankle injury early in the year. Davydenko continues to flounder, so Youzhny is really the hope for the Russians here. This one is tough to call. Melzer's Davis Cup record is not great at 16-21 for his career and he's lost a few you wouldn't have expected in the last year. Youzhny has won five of his last six Davis Cup singles matches. The doubles rubber here could be the key as well as how Bogomolov responds to the pressure here. 
Prediction: Russia Wins 3-2.

Canada v. France
Canada are making their first appearance in the World Group since 2004. France loss in the semifinals last year to the champions, Spain and appear to be a very strong favorite to get back to at least that spot. Canada is full of young promise with Raonic and Pospisil headlining their group. Doubles specialist Daniel Nestor brings a good veteran presence and Frank Dancevic is along for the ride. France is fielding a very strong side with Tsonga, Monfils, Llodra and Benneteau. The indoor hard surface could allow Canada to keep some of these rubbers close, but the French have the experience advantage here. 
Prediction: France Wins 4-1.

Switzerland v. USA
A tough draw for the Americans here with the Swiss being led by "The Maestro," Roger Federer. The Swiss also have Wawrinka, Chiudinelli and Lammer along for this one. The hosts chose an indoor clay court which really hurts the Americans' chances here with the lineup they bring. Fish, Isner, Harrison and Mike Bryan. This is the fourth all-time meeting between the two countries in Davis Cup play with the home side prevailing each time. Team USA lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals in 2011. The Americans did win their last two away ties, both on clay, against Chile and Colombia. Still, Federer rarely loses in Davis Cup play at 30-6 all-time and the surface suits him over Fish and Isner who both carry losing records in this competition. Team USA would need to beat Wawrinka here one would think to have a chance and then hope they can steal the doubles rubber.
Prediction: Switzerland Wins 3-2.