The opening weekend of the new campaign saw both Veles and Chelyabinsk grab maximum points in style, with the Moscow side edging Neftekhimik one nil on the road while Chelyabinsk thrashed SKA Khabarovsk three one at home. For Veles this marked their return to the top flight after years away and the lads made it count despite a slice of fortune. Now they switch to home comforts where motivation is sky high and the fans expect goals. Chelyabinsk on their part looked sharp too and that result has lifted spirits after a tough spring.
Team Form
- Veles picked up seven wins from ten home games in the second tier last spring and netted at least twice in every victory
- Chelyabinsk enjoyed a long winning run early last season with a rock solid backline that barely conceded
- Star man Ramazan Gadzhimuradov has hit top form already and will be key to breaking down the visitors
Both sides showed quality in their first fixtures and the football on display was solid rather than flashy. Veles have history of lighting up their own patch with attacking football and plenty of goals. Against a Chelyabinsk side that also likes to push forward we could easily see an open contest full of chances.
Tactical Analysis
- Veles strength lies in quick transitions and set piece threats at home
- Chelyabinsk weakness is occasional lapses at the back when they chase games
- Both teams love to attack so expect spaces to open up for the forwards
The summer break should have freshened up the squads and the early optimism from match day one suggests they are ready to go again. With Veles enjoying the comfort of their own stadium the pressure will be on them to dominate but Chelyabinsk are no pushovers and will look to nick something on the counter.
Betting Proposal
After weighing up the attacking records and the way both teams started the season my types point towards an entertaining affair. The home side will want to put on a show while the visitors have shown they can score on their travels. All signs point to goals at both ends so the smart play is both teams finding the net.
Both teams to score yes at 1.85
