CSKA – Krasnodar

CSKA does not look weaker than Krasnodar

On Saturday, 10 May, CSKA will play against Krasnodar. Almost a decisive meeting of the season for the two teams. Krasnodar is four points ahead of Zenit. A win would bring the southerners closer to the long-awaited title, but a draw would also be a workable result. CSKA have broken into the top three, but could theoretically climb higher. The Army Men are having a difficult season, there is no clear-cut assessment yet. In 2025 CSKA was one of the strongest teams in the RPL. There are still no defeats in the championship. CSKA made a leap from the sixth position. Marko Nikolic dared to rearrange the scheme. It has had an effect. CSKA is on a winning streak in all tournaments. The club looked decent against Spartak (2-1), but in the Cup they couldn't withstand Zenit's pressure. In other words, another season without titles is very likely. Against this background, it will be important to climb at least into the top three. Unfortunately, hopes for winter reinforcements were not fulfilled. Rodrigo Villagra hasn't even made his CSKA debut yet. Health problems got in the way. Another mini-strike is the condition of Abbosbek Faizullayev. The Uzbek has stopped scoring altogether. The former CSKA leader is very uncomfortable under the new scheme. The footballer has not scored a single goal in 2025. Krasnodar was no longer the favourite in the championship race. For example, after the defeat from Zenit, bookmakers began to write off Murad Musayev's wards. The odds collapsed into the region of 30 per cent. "Krasnodar" surprisingly quickly got over the defeat. The leader responded with three consecutive victories. Krasnodar successively defeated Akhmat, Dinamo Makhachkala and Rubin. At the same time, all the games turned out to be agonising. The away game against Dynamo was helped by Stanislav Agkatsev's feat - the goalkeeper converted a penalty. The match against Rubin was also very difficult: Kazan put pressure until the last minutes. There was definitely no champion's reserve. Krasnodar don't have a deep bench, but fortunately the leaders are without injuries. Eduard Spertsyan and John Cordoba are approaching their last matches in decent form. Stanislav Agkatsev does not slacken at the finish. The goalkeeper, despite a fractured finger and an unfortunate encounter with Zenit, has not lost his confidence. The odds have a very curious twist. The bookmakers have changed the odds: Krasnodar are now considered clear favourites. The odds have travelled from 3.20 to 2.45. Right now, the odds don't look fair. Firstly, the southerners will be satisfied with a draw. In that case, Orenburg and Dinamo will have to win. Secondly, CSKA are definitely not weaker than the Bulls right now. A draw will suit both teams. It is possible that the rivals simply will not take risks. Krasnodar will not be able to play from a position of strength.