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
Orenburg has been on a downward trajectory in the league standings for the past three years, finishing 15th last season. However, due to the scandal involving Torpedo's promotion to the RPL, the team avoided relegation. Notably, Orenburg suffered the most defeats last season – 19 (4 wins, 7 draws), and alongside Khimki, conceded the most goals (56). Additionally, they had the worst away record, collecting 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 were brought in, along with midfielders Vladislav Kamilov and Irakli Kvekveskiri.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Orenburg's last 6 RPL matches.
- At home, the club has failed to win 12 of their last 14 matches in this tournament (5 draws, 7 losses).
- In 9 of their last 10 home league games, 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, Emirdzhan Gyurlyuk – Gedeon Guzina.
CSKA
The Moscow club has not finished below sixth place for 24 consecutive years. Last season, the Army Men finished 3rd, 8 points behind Krasnodar. CSKA is known for its reliable defense, and the 21 goals conceded last season were the team's best defensive record in the last six years. They are also on a 14-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (9 wins, 5 draws). Additionally, they won the Russian Super Cup last week.
In the off-season, Fabio Celestini became the new head coach. The club also signed midfielder Mateus Alves. Notable departures include midfielders Miralem Pjanic, Kristijan Bistrovic, Rifat Zhemaletdinov, and forward Saul Guarirapa. Defender Igor Diveev might miss the first round due to an injury. Midfielder Rodrigo Villagra is expected to return by September.
- CSKA has scored in 11 consecutive RPL matches.
- Away from home, CSKA is unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches (8 wins, 4 draws).
- In 10 of their last 12 away matches in this tournament, they have 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 (RPL, 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 for a season in the First League when the Torpedo situation arose. For a long time, there was uncertainty about where Vladimir Slishkovich's team would play. This affected their preparation (only two friendly matches were played), and the club's transfer policy was geared towards the FNL. Now, Orenburg faces the tough task of competing against better-equipped opponents. Even with their optimal squad last season, they struggled, losing 13 of their last 18 RPL 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 well in two seasons with Basel. His appointment is a positive reinforcement for the Army Men. CSKA was already performing excellently, winning 8 of their last 11 Premier League matches (3 draws). They have dominated their upcoming opponent, winning 8 of 12 head-to-head league encounters.
My prediction: CSKA Victory
