The Matchday 1 clash in the Russian Premier League between Orenburg and CSKA will take place on July 21 at the Gazovik Stadium. Orenburg vs. CSKA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Orenburg
For the past three years, Orenburg has been on a downward trajectory in the league standings, finishing 15th last season. However, due to a scandal involving Torpedo's promotion, the team avoided relegation. Notably, Orenburg suffered the most defeats – 19 (4 wins, 7 draws), and along with Khimki, conceded the most goals in the previous championship (56 goals). Additionally, the team was the worst away performer, earning only 5 points on the road.
The squad underwent significant changes in the off-season: many key foreign players departed, and a group of players from the FNL was brought in, along with midfielders Vladislav Kamilov and Irakli Kvekveskiri.
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Both teams scored in 5 of Orenburg's last 6 matches in the Russian Premier League.
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The club has not won in 12 of their last 14 home matches in this tournament (5 draws, 7 losses).
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In 9 of their last 10 home games in the championship, Orenburg conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.
Predicted lineup for Orenburg (4-5-1)
Nikolay Sysuev – Danila Vedernikov, Georgy Zotov, Artem Kasimov, Henri Chichinadze – Vladislav Kamilov, Dmitry Rybchinsky, Alexander Lomakin, Irakli Kvekveskiri, Emirjan Gyurlyuk – Gedeon Guzina.
CSKA
The Moscow club has not finished below sixth place for 24 consecutive years. Last season, the "Army Men" finished third, trailing Krasnodar by 8 points. CSKA is known for its solid defensive play, with 21 goals conceded in the previous championship being the best record for the team in the last six years. Notably, CSKA is currently on a 14-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (9 wins, 5 draws). A week ago, the club also won the Russian Super Cup.
During the off-season, Fabio Celestini became the new head coach. The club also signed midfielder Mateus Alves. Key departures include midfielders Miralem Pjanic, Kristijan Bistrovic, Rifat Zhemaletdinov, and forward Saul Guarirapa. Defender Igor Diveev is at risk of missing the first round due to injury. Midfielder Rodrigo Villagra will return by September.
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CSKA has scored in 11 consecutive matches in the Russian Premier League.
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CSKA is unbeaten in their last 12 away matches in the Premier League (8 wins, 4 draws).
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In 10 of their last 12 away matches in this tournament, the team opened the scoring.
Predicted lineup for CSKA (4-4-2)
Vladislav Torop – Moises Barbosa, Kellven, Willian Rocha, Milan Gajic – Kirill Glebov, Matvey Kislyak, Ivan Oblyakov, Danil Krugovoy – Artem Shumansky, Tamerlan Musaev.
Referee
Egor Egorov (Russia)
Matches – 10 (Russian Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 40%.
Orenburg vs. CSKA: Match Prediction
Orenburg was preparing to play in the First League when the Torpedo situation arose. For a long time, there was uncertainty about where Vladimir Slishkovich's team would eventually play. This disrupted their preparation (only two friendlies were played), and the club's transfer policy was focused on the FNL. Now, Orenburg faces the challenging task of competing against much better-equipped opponents. Even last season, with their optimal squad, the team had poor results, losing 13 of their last 18 Russian Premier League matches (3 wins, 2 draws).
CSKA, on the other hand, has a stable squad. The main change was on the coaching bench, but Fabio Celestini has proven himself during two seasons at Basel. Therefore, I believe his appointment is a strong reinforcement for the "Army Men." CSKA has already been delivering excellent results, winning 8 of their last 11 Premier League matches (3 draws). Against their upcoming opponent, CSKA has been dominant: winning 8 of 12 head-to-head league encounters.
My prediction: CSKA Victory
