CSKA – Krasnodar

CSKA and Krasnodar are unlikely to produce a high-scoring final

On Sunday, 11 June, CSKA and Krasnodar will play in the Russian Cup. For the Bulls, it is an opportunity to win the first trophy in history. Krasnodar have undergone an unexpected transformation in 2023. The management has conducted a competent transfer campaign, and they have also made the right choice of coach. The Serbian Vladimir Ivic has done a tremendous job in just a few months. Krasnodar have found stability, returned to their attacking style and stopped falling apart in most games. All this without a big financial investment. Over the distance, Krasnodar have lost only once in their last ten games - against Spartak, losing 3-4. "The Bulls, even without motivation, have left a very pleasant impression in the Russian championship. The club defeated Rostov, did not lose to CSKA, and snatched a draw against Akhmat. At the same time Iwich has given rest to the leaders in several games. There are some difficulties ahead of the Cup final regarding the squad. In particular, Cordoba had an injury in the match against Rostov, but has already played a half in Grozny. Eduard Spertsyan is ready to play from the opening minutes, although there were also some questions about his condition after several injuries already in 2023. There is also a mystery about the goalkeeper. Matvey Safonov has lost confidence this season. It is assumed that the reserve player Agkatsev will be available for the final game. CSKA finished positively earlier in the season. The club defeated Rostov and took second place. This is an undoubted success. Winning the Russian Cup made the season almost perfect in the current environment. CSKA is the second club in RPL, if we take only the results of the second round. The Army Men have gone the distance very smoothly. Vladimir Fedotov has been able to implement his scheme with five defenders. At the moment CSKA look very balanced with excellent team spirit. The medical staff also worked competently. CSKA approaches the final of the Russian Cup without any injuries. All the key players are in a good shape. Deveev has gained his form through the matches; there were no questions about the rest of the leaders. Chalov had the best season of his career, Oblyakov has opened in attack, the Serbian Zdelar is looking decent in the centre of the field. The final is unlikely to be productive. The recent championship game is a distinct possibility. Krasnodar will not open up against a very organised opponent, which has an advantage in the transition phases. There's little sense for the Bulls to take chances. The team will give the initiative to CSKA. Bookmakers are expecting a result-oriented encounter, but there are no significant preconditions for such an outcome. CSKA, under Fedotov, prefer to maintain a minimal advantage.