The Matchday 2 clash in the Russian Premier League between Sochi and Akron will take place on July 26 at the Fisht Stadium. Sochi vs. Akron: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Sochi
Roberto Moreno's side failed to put up a serious fight against Lokomotiv in their first-round match, losing 0-3 away. As a result, Sochi has now gone winless in seven of their last eight Premier League matches (3 draws, 4 losses). Additionally, in three of those games, they conceded three goals. This was also the first time in five previous league matches that Sochi failed to score. In the standings, the club is at the bottom, level on points with Pari NN.
- The team has not won in 10 of their last 12 home matches in the Premier League (5 draws, 5 losses).
- Sochi scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 5 of their last 7 home league games.
- At least four goals were scored in 4 of Sochi's last 6 home Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Sochi (4-4-2)
Alexander Degtev – Kirill Zaika, Artem Makarchuk, Marcelo Alves, Vyacheslav Litvinov – Ignacio Saavedra, Dmitry Vasilyev, Anton Zinkovsky, Roman Yezhov – Saul Guarirapa, Martin Kramaric.
Forward Pavel Meleshin is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and midfielder Kirill Kravtsov is also injured. Defender Sergei Volkov has joined the squad.
Akron
Zaur Tedeev's side drew 1-1 with Krylia Sovetov in their home opener. Consequently, Akron has failed to win in their last three league matches (1 draw, 2 losses). However, the team extended their scoring streak in the Premier League to eight matches. Tolyatti is among six clubs that drew in the first round and are positioned mid-table.
- The team has not won in 7 of their last 9 away Premier League matches (2 draws, 5 losses).
- Akron scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 away league games.
- Akron scored in the second half in 4 of their last 5 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Akron (4-5-1)
Vitaliy Gudiev – Roberto Fernandez, Ionut Nedelcearu, Marat Bokoev, Konstantich Savichev – Dmitry Pestryakov, Ifet Djakovac, Khetag Khosenov, Stefan Loncar, Aleksa Djurashovic – Artem Dzyuba.
Referee
Vladislav Tselovalnikov (Russia)
Matches – 15 (FNL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 45;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 27%.
Sochi vs. Akron: Match Prediction
I expect both teams to display active attacking play and score goals. Sochi has been effective in their recent Premier League matches, failing to score only against Fakel in their last seven home games, netting 14 goals in that span. Akron is also not known for sitting back, even on the road, having scored in 5 of their last 6 away Premier League matches, and at least twice in three of those games.
At the same time, both teams struggle defensively. Sochi has kept a clean sheet only twice in their last 12 home Premier League matches, conceding at least two goals in seven of those games. Tolyatti also faces challenges in defense, failing to keep a clean sheet in 8 of their last 9 away league matches, conceding 16 goals in that span.
My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
