Krylya Sovetov have come close to lifting the Russian Cup twice in their long history but the trophy has always slipped away from them. This season under coach Sergei Bulatov the Samara side look sharper and more organised, and reaching the knockout stages remains a realistic target. Their recent run shows just two losses in eight games across all competitions, including a solid goalless draw away at Dynamo Moscow in the league opener. Fans back home are hoping the team can build on this momentum and finally go all the way.
Team Form
Dynamo Makhachkala fought hard to stay in the top flight last term and only survived after a tense playoff against Ural. Coach Vadim Evseev has been shifting the team towards a more attacking style, which has brought better goal tallies but left the defence looking leaky at times. At home the Makhachkala lads have been dominant in past meetings, winning all three encounters and keeping clean sheets while scoring seven goals.
- Krylya Sovetov: two defeats in last eight matches
- Dynamo Makhachkala: improved scoring but fewer clean sheets lately
- Head to head at Makhachkala: three wins for the hosts, 7-0 aggregate
Tactical Analysis
In cup ties both teams often give minutes to their bench players, and Krylya Sovetov appear to have the deeper squad on paper. Still, Dynamo will not roll over on their own patch. The balance of the game could hinge on whether the visitors can keep things tight at the back while the home side looks to press higher and create chances through quick transitions. Expect a lively contest with plenty of end to end action.
The Russian Cup group stage often throws up surprises, yet history points to a strong home record for Dynamo against these opponents. Both sides have something to prove, but the Makhachkala outfit seem better suited to grab the win on familiar ground.
Betting Proposal
After weighing up the recent form, head to head numbers and the fact that cup matches allow coaches to rotate freely, the smart types lean towards the home side.
Dynamo to win at home with odds of 1.98
