This match sees Spartak manager Dmitri Alenichev come up against newly-promoted Arsenal Tula, the club where he made his managerial name with his attractive playing style in the 2014/15 season.
Spartak have already started their competitive season in the Europa League where they could only manage a draw against Cypriot side AEK Larnaca. Even more disappointing when you consider that Alenichev had put out a strong side on Thursday night. Spartak do have some good players and are likely to do well this season if they can carry on the form they had at the end of the last campaign. Keeping hold of star player Quincy Promes, which now looks increasingly likely, will be their best bit of business this summer.
Tula, managed by Sergei Pavlov who is the second manager since Alenichev’s departure last summer, won automatic promotion from the FNL last season but really has failed to improve their squad and many are expecting a quick return to the second tier of Russian football.
I back Spartak to win but there is no value in that particular bet so I have gone with an anytime goalscorer at 6/4.
Cape Verdean striker Ze Luis should be able to settle better this season with an improving Spartak side. He is likely to be the Red-Whites’ main striker and I think he will make a good start to the season, particularly against this seemingly poor Arsenal Tula side.
See all of our weekend tips here.