This match was originally meant to be played in Orenburg but has had to be moved to Rostov due to Orenburg’s stadium yet to be completed. This of course gives a massive advantage to Rostov.
Selmashi were undoubtedly the surprise of the Russian Premier League last season as they mounted a title challenge but had to settle for second place, excellent for a club that is usually battling against relegation. Pragmatic coach Kurban Berdyev has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer with the 63-year-old from Turkmenistan constantly linked to the vacant post of national team manager.
The summer has seen the permanent signing of young striker of Sardar Azmoun after a loan spell from Rubin Kazan last year, the Iranian has great potential and to secure him on a permanent basis has been a real coup for Rostov. However, Berdyev’s men have lost key midfielder Pavel Mogilivets alongside a few other important players. With this in mind, unfortunately, I do not think Rostov will reach the same heights as 2015/16.
Orenburg convincingly won the FNL title under the name Gazovik but, in the sort of strange event that only tends to happen in Russian football, they changed their name to FC Orenburg. The side based just north of the border with Kazakhstan had the perfect formula last season in scoring a lot of goals whilst not conceding many. However, Robert Yevdokimov has not strengthened his squad particularly so it will be interesting to see how they cope with the demands of top tier football.
The fact that this fixture has changed venue of course puts the advantage firmly into Rostov’s court. Berdyev’s men were the masters of 1-0 victories last season, particularly at home, and I would back them to achieve a similar result here. I do not think newly-promoted Gazovik will pose much of a threat to solid a solid Rostov side.
Rostov to win to nil is 31/20 with Sportingbet.
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