The Matchday 1 clash of the 2024/25 Russian Cup between Dynamo Moscow and Sochi will take place on July 29 at the VTB Arena. Dynamo Moscow vs. Sochi: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dynamo Moscow
Last season, the Moscow club finished second in their group, avoiding defeat in regular time in 4 of 6 matches (3 wins, 1 draw). Notably, Dynamo scored 17 goals, sharing the title of the most prolific team in the group stage with Lokomotiv. However, they conceded 13 goals, the worst defensive record among all playoff qualifiers. Dynamo eventually reached the second stage of the semi-finals in the Path of Regions, losing to Spartak at this stage.
- Moscow has not won in 5 of their last 7 Russian Cup matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Dynamo's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The team has conceded in 5 of their last 6 home games in the national Cup.
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Moscow (3-4-3)
Andrey Lunev – Maksim Osipenko, Roberto Fernandez, Juan Caceres – Daniil Fomin, Bitello, Danil Glebov, Alexander Kutitsky – Ivan Sergeev, Mumi Ngamale, Yaroslav Gladyshev.
Sochi
Last season, Sochi competed in the lower bracket of the tournament. The team advanced through three rounds, but in the first stage of the quarter-finals in the Path of Regions, they lost to Dynamo Makhachkala in a penalty shootout. The previous year, as an RPL representative, Sochi participated in the group stage, finishing third. However, the team exited the tournament in the first playoff match.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last 6 Russian Cup matches (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Sochi has scored in 6 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
- In 5 of their last 6 away matches in the national Cup, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Sochi (4-4-2)
Maksim Rudakov – Kirill Zaika, Artem Makarchuk, Marcelo Alves, Alexander Osipov – Ignacio Saavedra, Alexander Kovalenko, Anton Zinkovsky, Roman Yezhov – Saul Guarirapa, Martin Kramaric.
Match Prediction: Dynamo Moscow vs. Sochi
Sochi has had a dreadful start to the new season. The team suffered two defeats in the RPL with a combined score of 0-7. Rumors of the head coach's imminent dismissal have surfaced, and the players' morale has taken a hit. It's clear that the team needs to achieve a positive result as soon as possible, but it's uncertain if they can accomplish this in the Cup. However, Sochi's motivation should be extremely high. I believe they will try to challenge the opponent's defense. Additionally, Sochi has scored in 8 consecutive national Cup matches and has found the net in 5 straight league encounters against Dynamo.
Valery Karpin will likely rotate the squad, especially with an upcoming Premier League match against Krasnodar. It's worth noting that Dynamo kept a clean sheet in only 2 of their 10 Russian Cup matches last season, and not once in the group stage. I think the upcoming opponent, Sochi, will manage at least one successful strike. My prediction: Sochi individual total over 0.5
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
