Russia - Premier League

[bagzi_cg]

Terek G. vs Sp Moscow

Terek won four out of ten games this season, they are usually dangerous at home, they even won CSKA, so it is clear that Spartak can expect a real hell. The Chechen's only ambition after the return to the elite is to survive and if they keep up collecting points at home so diligently, they could stay outside of the dangerous zone. Spartak suffered only one defeat before the break, but they have marked even five draws, they are five points behind Rubin but you can say that they started better than their rivals. Terek coach Nazarenko was recently replaced in favour of Vjaceslav Grozny, Ukrainian who already worked in Russia and also in Bulgaria as well as in Dnepr and Arsenal from Kyev He is expected to stabilize the team after three defeats marked in the last four matches. For Spartak the fans expect that the club will reinforce till the start of the Champions League but for now there are no signs of any spectacular transfers. Spartak could even sell Pavlychenko and Croatian keeper Pletikosa who has got some tempting offers. Home side will defend, I think that they would settle for a point in this match, they will try anything to use the Moscow side's problems with the squad. Although Spartak did well in Grozny in the couple of matches, odds for visitors to win are low.

Spartak will win.

CSKA M. vs Dinamo Mos.

This is Moskow derby and will draw most attention. Dinamo marked five victories so far in the championship, they have a fine squad in which the biggest stars are internationals Kolodin and Semshov as well as the returnee from Spain, Kerzhakov. Before the break they won two away games but interestingly they lost the duels against weaker teams, Shinnik and Saturn. CSKA have the excellent Brazilian Love and super-talented Czech Kalouda arrived, however coach Gazzaev's tactics is sometimes too defensive. The team have the bets defense in the league but they are struggling at home against defensive rivals. Dynamo are among the teams that have conceded most goals in the championship. They have already won one Moscow derby, against Spartak but they also easily lost to leading Rubin in front of their fans. Coach Kobelev is one of the talented in Russia but the question is if he will manage to hold the pressure since new owners have even mentioned Champions League before the championship started. CSKA mustn’t allow for their rivals to escape too far ahead, don’t forget that champion Zenit played only six matches and they shouldn't be underestimated. On the other hand Dynamo are a moody squad that can surprise anyone.

Under 2.5 goals.

Zenit St Petersburg vs Tomsk

Zenit have invested a lot of matches to save the strength for European challenges but they will now completely focus on the championship. Already after the Sunday duel with Tomsk, Spartak Nalchik arrive on Wednesday to Sankt Petersburg and clearly home side expect six points in the next four days. They have already lost one duel ate Petrovski stadium, the leader Rubin beat them. Tomsk are an average side whose only ambition is to survive just like very season. We are yet to see the bets from Zenit, they will probably be very active during the summer transfer window in order to reinforce for the Champions League. The situation about Arshavin is uncertain though mighty Gazprom say that they will do anything to keep this excellent player in the club. Striker Pogrebnyak is injured, he missed EURO so Advocaat’s side will be much weaker in the upcoming matches. Tomsk is the city in Siberia, an important energetic centre and it is also politically very important that they have their representative in the elite. They have spent a long time in lower ranks, fought their way to the Premier League few seasons ago and survival is their only aim. Tomsk will defend, their only hope is to keep the opening result as long as they can and make champions nervous. Judging by the reports from the matches Tomsk played they rarely create chances away and rarely score.

Zenit will win.

Lokomotiv M vs Amkar

In the first part of the championship Moscow side won five out of ten games; the only defeat they suffered was on the start by Rubin; they are in a series of nine unbeaten games. Still, we should mention that the draws against weaker teams like Energiya and Spartak Nalchik at home are not a satisfactory result so much more is expected form them in the second part. Lokomotiv have many problems with the attackers; they hardly create chances and praised Odemwingie still hasn’t found the form he played in while he was in Lille. At first sight judging by the names of the players this team is capable of fighting for the title but they are yet to face difficult matches with leading teams. During the break Amkar brought Montenegrin international Novakovic, and excellent coach Bozovic already has a fine foundation mostly made of Balkan players. Amkar won even three away games, resisted in Moscow against Spartak so it is clear that they have nothing to fear in this game. Small number of goals seems the best choice but the odds are not too good so I will try with a surprise. Lokomotiv are weakened, Amkar already showed that they have the recipe for away games, I will try double chance on the visitors.

Amkar not to lose.

[Valderrama11]

Good Luck Bagzi! I've been waiting for the Russia Premier Liga to return! I won't be getting involved this week though, simply no way to know how the big break for the Euros has affected the sides. Will just watch this one to check on form.

[bagzi_cg]

Terek - Spartak 3 : 1
CSKA - Dinamo 0 : 2
Zenit - Tom 5 : 1
Lokomotiv - Amkar 0 : 1