Spartak Kostroma and Ural are set for a real battle this weekend as both sides chase promotion dreams to the top flight. The Kostroma boys have climbed to second spot and sit just seven points behind the leaders, with a win here able to cut that gap even smaller. Ural on the other hand picked up a vital away win last time out and know that another three points could see them jump into the top four or even higher. This one promises to be tight with little room for error from either camp.
Team Form
Kostroma have been in top gear lately with five wins on the bounce and four of those ending 1-0. Their defensive wall has been rock solid and only one strong side has been beaten so far. Ural also kept a clean sheet in their last outing and their backline remains the stingiest in the league having let in just five goals across eleven games. Both teams are hungry for the big time and will fight tooth and nail for every ball.
- Kostroma: five straight wins, four clean sheets in a row
- Ural: best defence in the league with only five goals conceded
- Head to head last season: two draws at 1-1 each
- Key strength for both: rock solid backlines and low scoring games
Tactical Analysis
The game will likely turn on who grabs the first goal as neither side likes to chase from behind. Kostroma love to sit deep and hit on the break while Ural rely on a well organised defence that rarely gives away cheap chances. With both teams boasting mean defences it is hard to see many goals flying in. The midfield battle will be crucial as whoever wins the middle can control the tempo and limit the other side’s attacks.
Betting Proposal
Given how both sides play it safe and keep things tight this match looks set for low scoring action. My types point to a cagey affair where goals could be hard to come by from start to finish. The best value sits with under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.60 and also both teams not to score at 1.77. Back total under 2.5 goals and both teams not to score for the smartest play on this one.
