This match sees two sides at opposite ends of the table go head-to-head. Both teams need a result here but for entirely different reasons.
Orenburg are currently in the relegation zone and are still yet to win a game this season. They have somewhat changed their style since last season’s promotion from the FNL. During that campaign they were known to be somewhat of a goal machine and were up there with the top scorers in the division. However, coming up to the Premier League is of course a new level entirely and so Orenburg have had to change their approach a little and now focus much more on the defensive side of things.
Although they are near the bottom of the table, manager Robert Yevdokimov will take heart from the fact that they have not been thrashed this season – unlike fellow promoted side Arsenal Tula. Orenburg (formerly Gazovik) are kings of the 0-0 draw and are actually unbeaten in their last four matches. With their defence seemingly able to cope with the demands of top level football, if they can find their shooting boots from last season then Orenburg may actually have a fighting chance of staying up this year.
Having said that, they come up against a Spartak Moscow side in incredible form. The Muscovites have not had any real success since the 1990’s, but under new manager Massimo Carrera, have had a good string of results in the league and people are now talking up a potential title challenge. The former Juventus assistant to Antonio Conte has made an unbeaten start in his first full time managerial role and they have won their last three matches to nil.
Overall their goal difference for the entire season makes astonishing reading with 11 goals scored and only one conceded. It would take a brave man to not back Spartak Moscow this weekend.
In terms of the betting I am surprised by the odds you can get on a straight Spartak win. The price is probably set at 4/5 due to Orenburg’s aforementioned defensive record but I would still back Carrera’s side to come out on top here and 4/5 is certainly worth looking at.
If you fancy something a bit more profitable then a Spartak win to nil at 8/5 is probably the one to go for. Orenburg have only scored once this season and it will take an absolutely monumental effort for them to find the back of the net against a Spartak side who have conceded just once – I would even say impossible.
I would usually tip a goalscorer for a match like this with an obvious winner but I would not advise punters to do so on this occasion as the prices are not worth the risk. Orenburg are unlikely to score on Friday whilst Spartak like to share the goals around the entire squad. There is no Spartak player in supreme individual goal-scoring form at the moment – probably the reason why they are doing so well.
Goals Over/Under is another one to avoid as we could either see Spartak put Orenburg to the sword or just come out with a conservative 1-0 win. It is impossible to tell in the build-up and not worth the risk.
To see all of Friday’s tips click here.