An evenly matched Russian Premier League opener

The Russian Premier League kicks off with Arsenal Tula playing host to Dynamo Moscow. Both encounters between the two were very tight last season, with a 3-3 draw in Moscow in the final match of last season, being their most recent meeting.

Tula will be in Europa League qualification action soon having finished sixth in 2018/19 whereas Moscow narrowly survived the drop in finishing 12^th, one place above the relegation places.

Evgeni Lutsenko

32-year-old 6ft 1in striker Evgeni Lutsenko is likely to start upfront following his summer move from Dynamo Moscow to Arsenal Tula and will be looking to make an immediate impression against his old club. Not a prolific front man but vastly experienced in Russian football, he will act as a focal point for the Tula attack. Moscow have recruited in that area since his departure, the perfect opportunity has presented itself to show them what they will be missing.

End to last season

Arsenal Tula only lost once in their last 13 outings of the 2018/19, when it resumed in March after the winter break. On the other hand, Dinamiki only registered two victories across that period though were tough to breakdown, drawing all of their last five matches with their 3-3 draw with Tula being the only time they scored more than two goals, post-winter break.

Ones to Watch

An eye-catching signing for Moscow is Charles Kabore, from Krasnodar on a free transfer, with his previous suiters having finished third last season and qualifying for the third Champions League qualification round in the process. He is the Burkina Faso captain and most capped player ever having been an integral part of their run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. Formerly of Marseille, a solid figure in defensive could be exactly what Dinamiki need to improve on their disappointing 2018/19 campaign.

Another former Krasnodar player in Joaozinho is a reliable outlet for Moscow having finished last season with nine assists which is a good return for a struggling side, I would expect him start on the left wing and could be their most creative threat if they are to get a positive result.

Arsenal Tula will demonstrate why they finished 13 points and six places ahead of Moscow last season. Putting in a good display in front of their home crowd against a new look Dynamo Moscow side.

Arsenal Tula – Dynamo Moscow Betting Tip

Double Chance Arsenal Tula to Win or Draw + Arsenal Tula to Score Over 0.5 goals with Betway at odds of 29/25.

Bet Double Chance Arsenal Tula to Win or Draw + Arsenal Tula to Score Over 0.5 goals on Betway