CSKA – Akhmat

CSKA has not conceded any goals with Chelistin so far.

On Sunday, July 27, CSKA will play at home against Akhmat. Both teams started poorly. The Army team could not defeat Orenburg, although they did not concede. The club from Grozny experienced a mini-embarrassment at home – a slip-up in their match against Rubin. CSKA has had a difficult summer with the departure of Marko Nikolic. The team is now set up in a 3-4-3 formation. This is a very attacking setup, but the first match served as a rebuttal: Orenburg did not allow the Army team to create many chances. Interestingly, the key player on the wing is now Daniil Krugovoi. The Russian is moving into attacking positions and delivering the ball into the penalty area more often than others. There are also difficulties in finishing: Seku Koita is not making it into the squad, while Artem Shumansky and Tamerlan Musaev are very weak at converting chances. All week long, the transfer of Sergey Pinyaev was discussed. The deal will not happen. The Army team could not convince the player. There is still a shortage of players on the flanks. Fabio Celestini has a very short bench. Over the summer, they also let go of Miralem Pjanic and Rifaat Jemaletdinov. A big plus in the first match was Igor Akinfeev's form. The goalkeeper showed that he still maintains a high level. Akhmat is one of the main mysteries of the season. The club seems to have strengthened itself well over the summer, but the quality of play has not improved. Firstly, a new coach, Alexander Storozhuk, has arrived. Secondly, the club has brought back its best foreign goalscorer, Mohamed Konate. Additionally, there is a crew of new players led by Orenburg midfielder Brian Mansilia. Moreover, none of the key players have left. It was expected that Lechi Sadulaev might move to CSKA – this information has not been confirmed. The leader was on the field in the first match – he even played with the captain's armband. At the same time, Akhmat's style of play is now more defensively oriented. Alexander Storozhuk is a great admirer of defensive setups. Even in Krasnodar, the coach aimed to focus on pragmatism. Akhmat will certainly act cautiously away from home. Bookmakers suggest that the rivals will exchange goals. This scenario can be debated. Akhmat has a dangerous attacking line on paper, but open football is unlikely. CSKA is capable of playing pragmatically – they demonstrated this in the match against Krasnodar. The Army team's defense is evidenced by bare statistics – the club simply did not concede in matches under Fabio Celestini. Even Krasnodar could not beat Akinfeev. There is also a possibility of the opposite scenario. Akhmat will defend disciplinedly. CSKA has significant difficulties with finishing. No improvements are expected for now.