Although most would argue that Anzhi are the better side out of these two, it is Tula who have made the better start to the Russian Premier League season.
Anzhi got a very creditable draw against CSKA Moscow in week one but then managed to almost render that result meaningless after a poor 2-0 loss away at Amkar Perm – a fixture where Pavel Vrba’s side should at least be getting a point if they have any ambition of doing well this season. They go into this match against Tula with a depleted squad which has seven injuries and one suspension.
After getting battered 4-0 away at Spartak Moscow first time around, Sergei Pavlov’s side improved dramatically to record a shock 1-0 home win against big-spending Rubin Kazan. This match against Anzhi will show how competent Arsenal Tula will be on the road this season as they go up against opposition of a lower standard.
Pavel Vrba’s Anzhi know that this is a must win game and I doubt they will have much trouble overpowering this Arsenal Tula side on their own turf despite their injury woes. Pavlov’s side scored quite early-on in the match against Rubin last week which allowed them to sit back and defend for the rest of the game – I am not so sure they will get that opening goal in Dagestan.
A home win is decent value at 13/10.
See all of today’s football tips here.