Tula Arsenal kicked off the fresh season with a hard fought win that caught many eyes across the league. For years now the side has been known for grinding out draws under different coaches making them the most cautious outfit around. Taking all three points against a promoted side like Tekstilshchik was no easy task as they had to come from behind in the second half before striking twice in quick fashion through Rashid Magomedov and Kirill Gotsuk.
Team Form
Neftekhimik arrived with a much changed look after a busy summer that saw the squad grow younger and a new coaching team take charge. Their opening fixture ended in a narrow defeat to Veles yet they created enough clear openings to suggest they can be dangerous going forward. Over the past ten outings they have managed just two victories though one of those saw them net seven goals in total.
- Arsenal remain the draw specialists with most matches ending level in recent campaigns
- Neftekhimik hold a strong record against this opponent with two wins and four draws from seven meetings
- Only one of those clashes produced more than two goals combined
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal continue to play with caution aiming to keep things tight and avoid risks which often leads to low scoring affairs. Neftekhimik on the other hand showed they can press and create moments even after their opening loss and their youthful energy could trouble a side that prefers to sit deep. The visitors have learned how to handle Arsenal well over the years rarely coming away empty handed.
Betting Proposal
With Arsenal likely to stay compact and Neftekhimik capable of holding their own away from home the game looks set for another tight result. The visitors are unlikely to lose on the road so the double chance on them not to be beaten stands out as the smart play. Neftekhimik will not lose away with odds at 2.05
