Russian Premier League newcomers to test Spartak

FC Tambov have started brightly in the Russian Premier League having won promotion as champions of the second-tier last season. They play host to the most successful team in the history of the Russian Premier League in Spartak Moscow to continue their incredibly difficult baptism of fire this term. Spartak are unbeaten thus far however have not looked convincing in their opening two fixtures also carrying the distraction of imminent Europa League qualifiers coming in early August.

Start to the season

This will be Tambov’s first match at home having lost their first two fixtures 2-1 away to Zenit St. Petersburg and Lokomotiv Moscow respectively, a decent showing from the side on both occasions given the strength of the opposition. If they can keep their consistency and put in another solid display then they are sure to cause Spartak problems who have endured a modest opening two fixtures. They could only beat Sochi 1-0 in second half stoppage time through centre-back Samuel Gigot in the first game and were matched in a very even 2-2 draw in Rostov in the next encounter. Fifth will be facing 15^th this afternoon however it is not as straightforward in that with Tambov proving why they were such strong winners of the second-tier last term.

Ones to Watch

27-year-old midfielder Valeriu Ciuperca has held it all together in the middle of the park against some other quality players. Not only competent out of possession, his main strength is bringing the ball out of his own half and starting attacks from central areas, having completed a total of 10 dribbles so far this season. Soslan Takazov has also enjoyed the start of the season at left-back, winning six tackles in the opening encounter with Zenit, and it will be an interesting composition in seeing him come up against Luiz Adriano at half past two.

Former Manchester City Brazilian Fernando has been a standout for Moscow and not only robust in the tackle has become a reliable player on the ball for Oleg Kononov’s side. He got the assist for Gigot’s winner against Sochi and had a pass completion rate of 89% in the following game. Defence is the main strength of this Spartak outfit and will be difficult for the Wolves to penetrate especially due to the recent form of Russia international, Georgiy Dzhikiya whose aerial prowess could be key. With 13 aerials duels won and a goal in his last match, his performance will be crucial to Spartak’s chances of getting what would be an important win here.

FC Tambov will start positively and put in another positive display that challenges Spartak, however their experience and class of Kononov’s men could shine through.

FC Tambov – Spartak Moscow Betting Tip

Drawing after 30 minutes + Under 3.5 goals with Coral at odds of 23/25.

Bet Drawing after 30 minutes + Under 3.5 goals on Coral