For the `Army Men,` this match offers a critical opportunity to equal a long-standing club record for an unbeaten streak. Krasnodar, in turn, is striving to solidify its league lead and affirm its status as the nation`s strongest team.
A Pivotal Moment for CSKA
This is a moment of truth for CSKA. Will the `Red-Blues` maintain their undefeated record? This high-stakes match between Russian Premier League leaders could mark CSKA`s first defeat of 2025 if season leader and reigning champion Krasnodar manages to overcome the Moscow `Army Men` on their home turf. However, achieving this will be no easy feat.
As many readers are aware, CSKA remains the only undefeated team this year. Despite an emergency coaching change—from Nikola to Celestini—their football continues to be of high quality. The team boasts outstanding players like Krugovoy and Kislyak, a powerful midfield supporting playmaker Alves, and prolific goalscorer Tamerlan Musaev. This is without even considering the highly talented and dangerous young forward Shumansky, who is currently sidelined with an injury but will be a formidable addition upon his return.
Krasnodar`s Strength and Spertsyan`s Future
Nevertheless, Krasnodar is still widely considered the stronger side. Murad Musaev, the head coach of the Kuban team, even took the opportunity to discuss off-field matters, most notably the future of his team`s leader and captain, Eduard Spertsyan:
«It`s strange that you, the press, for some reason want Spertsyan to leave. I believe no country in the world wants to lose one of the brightest players in its league. It`s always been the same: `Chalov should leave,` `Miranchuk should leave,` `Zakharyan should leave`… And what was the outcome? We lost stars of our championship, RPL stars. Did they become stronger where they went? Well, Miranchuk has now returned, and I think he will continue to delight us with his play. Therefore, we must respect our championship and not constantly write about someone having to leave. Let them play here and bring us joy. If there`s an offer that suits everyone, as with Matvey Safonov, we`ll shake hands, thank them, and move on.»
Incidentally, goalkeeper Safonov has not yet been sent anywhere by PSG, contrary to what turned out to be strange rumors. As for Safonov`s former club`s opponent, CSKA has been quite successful against Krasnodar recently, winning their last three encounters with clean sheets, including the Super Cup. However, the pressure of their current streak is significant: 20 consecutive unbeaten matches in the RPL since last November. To equal the club record set ten years ago under Leonid Slutsky, the `Red-Blues` must hold strong on August 31st against the strongest team in the country.
Lokomotiv`s Tactical Evolution
Furthermore, by the time this match kicks off, Lokomotiv could potentially reclaim the top spot if they manage to win their Sunday afternoon game against Krylia Sovetov. And why not? The `Railroaders` haven`t just improved; they`ve diversified their tactics. Here`s a comment from the Match Premier broadcast by the intriguing coach Alexander Grigoryan, former manager of Khimki, Anzhi, and Kuban:
«Galaktionov has worked very seriously on defensive actions this season. Lokomotiv practically shows no errors related to positional play. It`s truly about team defense and group defense, which we often saw in past seasons. And another point: Lokomotiv didn`t just start consistently ceding space and defending in a mid-block for no reason. Remember how many games last year saw Lokomotiv frequently `throwing themselves` into high pressing? And what changed? Galaktionov simply understood that the player selection is precisely suited for this—for `shots` from the mid-block.»
League Standings and Upcoming Matches
The leading trio is being chased by another group of season favorites who had a slow start. On Saturday, Zenit will host Pari NN in St. Petersburg (kick-off at 16:15), while Spartak will face Sochi at home at 18:30. On Sunday, Moscow`s Dynamo will clash away with their counterparts from Makhachkala. The current standings show:
- Krasnodar – 15 points
- CSKA and Lokomotiv – 14 points each (CSKA ahead on goal difference)
- Season`s surprise Baltika – 12 points
- Rubin – 10 points
- Zenit – 9 points (sixth place)
- Dynamo, Spartak, and Krylia Sovetov – 8 points each
Federal broadcaster Match TV will air two matches from the seventh round live. On Saturday, it`s the clash at `Lukoil Arena` between Spartak and Sochi. And on Sunday at 18:00, it`s the main battle of August, the showdown between the Russian Championship leaders – CSKA and Krasnodar.
