The new football season in Russia is about to kick off with plenty of excitement and both Ural and Torpedo Moscow are hungry to make a strong statement. After missing out on promotion through the playoffs last time around Ural have brought in experienced coach Sergei Yuran to steady the ship while Torpedo have handed the reins to Alexander Storozhuk who knows the league inside out from his time at Arsenal Tula. The types for this clash point to an open contest where both sides will be looking to grab early points and avoid the heartbreak of playoff matches again.
Team Form
Ural struggled badly in the spring when they could not even find the net in two legs against Makhachkala Dynamo and that led to the change in the dugout. Yuran arrives with a good reputation from his work at Pari NN and the players are eager to respond to his methods right from the first whistle. On the other side Torpedo come with their own fresh start after legal troubles almost destroyed the club last season but the new stadium opening gives everyone fresh belief that promotion to the RPL is possible this time.
- Ural failed to score in 180 minutes of playoff football last spring
- Torpedo managed just one win in their last eight meetings against Ural
- Both clubs changed managers during the summer break and want top two spots
- Torpedo have resources and a new home ground to push for direct promotion
Tactical Analysis
Yuran likes his teams to play with structure and he will look to fix Ural defensive lapses while adding attacking threat that was missing last year. Storozhuk on his part often sets teams up to be hard to beat and his sides have a habit of grinding out draws but with a new stadium and big ambitions he may push for more attacking football this campaign. The long break has given both coaches time to work on set pieces and counter attacks so expect plenty of transitions and moments of quality in wide areas where wingers could decide the game.
Motivation is sky high because neither side wants to go through playoff drama again and the players know a good start can set the tone for the whole season. Ural will rely on their experienced core while Torpedo hope their squad depth and home support can make the difference in tight moments.
Betting Proposal
Given the attacking intent from both camps and the fact that Ural and Torpedo have traded goals in recent meetings the types suggest a lively affair where the defences could be breached at both ends. The value lies in expecting an entertaining match rather than a cagey 0 0 draw.
Both teams to score yes at 1.85
