The Matchday 1 clash of the Russian Premier League between Akhmat and Rubin will take place on July 20 at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Akhmat vs. Rubin: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Akhmat
The team finished 14th in the last Russian championship, landing in the relegation playoff zone. In the playoffs, Akhmat faced Ural. In the first leg away, the Grozny side lost 1-2, prompting head coach Sergey Tashuev to resign. In the return leg, the team rallied to secure a 2-0 victory, maintaining their Premier League status. Notably, Akhmat scored fewer goals at home (16) than any team except Fakel (5) last season. Despite this, they scored in 7 of their last 8 home league games. During the off-season, Akhmat played two friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Dynamo Moscow and defeating Krylya Sovetov 1-0.
This summer, Alexander Storozhuk became the head coach. The club parted ways with midfielder Bernard Berisha. However, they welcomed back forward Mohamed Konate and signed midfielder Egas Kasintura and forward Brian Mansilla. Kasintura will miss the upcoming match due to a suspension from the last season's final round.
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No more than two goals have been scored in 5 of the last 7 head-to-head matches at Akhmat's ground in the Premier League.
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The team is unbeaten in their last seven home matches in the Premier League (3 wins, 4 draws).
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In 4 of Akhmat's last 5 league games, both teams scored at least once.
Akhmat's Starting Lineup (4-4-2)
Georgi Shelia – Turpal-Ali Ibisev, Darko Todorovic, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nadi Gandri – Amin Talal, Lechi Sadulaev, Ismael Silva, Manuel Kelianu – Mohamed Konate, Brian Mansilla.
Rubin
Rashid Rakhimov's team finished last season in seventh place in the Russian Premier League. Towards the end of the season, they experienced a six-match winless streak away (1 draw, 5 losses). Despite this, Rubin scored in their last eight league games, with forward Mirlin Daku finishing second in the league's scoring charts with 15 goals. Before the season started, the club played four friendlies, remaining unbeaten (2 wins, 2 draws).
During the off-season, Rubin's squad underwent minimal changes.
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In 7 of their last 8 away matches in the Premier League, the club scored at least once.
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In 5 of Rubin's last 6 league matches, both teams scored.
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At least three goals were scored in 7 of Rubin's last 8 away league games.
Rubin's Starting Lineup (5-3-2)
Evgeniy Staver – Ilya Rozhkov, Egor Teslenko, Igor Vujacic, Alexey Gritsaenko, Dmitry Kabutov – Veldin Hodja, Ugochukwu Iwu, Bogdan Jocic – Dardan Shabanhadzhaj, Mirlin Daku.
Referee
Ivan Abrosimov (Russia)
Matches – 11 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 18%.
Akhmat vs. Rubin: Match Prediction
Akhmat consistently shows a strong attacking performance, scoring in 7 of their last 8 home league matches. However, their defense often falters, conceding in 9 of their previous 11 home league games. It's also worth noting that both teams scored in 7 of the last 10 head-to-head encounters in Grozny in the Premier League.
Rubin continues to play open football, scoring in 7 of their last 8 away league matches. However, their defense has significant issues, having conceded in their last ten league games. Additionally, the club managed to retain forward Mirlin Daku, who scored 15 goals last season. I believe the Albanian striker could find the net in the upcoming match.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
