1. Shinnik v Moskva

Both teams lost in their last matches however both played fairly well. There are many sidelined players in the squads of both sides but Moskva is used to playing without injured players and Shinnik will really have problems because of their disqualifications. Moskva play a lot with long balls and Shinnik uses flank attacks. Being without regular goalkeeper Stepanov, defender Dzordzhevic and midfielders Kudrashov and Laizans (the brain of the team in my opinion) Shinnik will have problems in both defense and attack. Moskva’s play is getting better and I trust the Moscow team in this game. Moskva (0) @ 1.84  4 pts (Ladbrokes)

2. Spartak Nalchik v Rubin

Nalchk and Rubin both won their previous matches but if Nalchik’s victory was deserved the Rubin win was simply lucky. Nalchik will play after a tough flight from Vladivostok and it could have an influence on their play. Rubin likes playing on counterattacks but Nalchik won’t commit to going forward in numbers. Both teams are in good heart but Nalchik has taken only a few points in their home games and it’s strange because Nalchik have always been a good home team. The absences are more important for Nalchik because Rubin can play without the sidelined players as well as with them (in my opinion). I see value in taking the away side in spite of the bad head to head statistics of Rubin in Nalchik (2 defeats)  with dnb 2 pts @ 1.45 (General)

3. Lokomotiv v Tom’

Lokomotiv didn’t play in the last set of matches because of a postponed game with Zenit and after an undeserved draw in the last game (Loko was really better than Luch) Loko has prepared for the coming game the whole week in Moscow. Loko showed good play in the last game but they lost concentration and conceded two goals during a few minute period. Tom’ could have drawn against CSKA but in general it was a game of their goalkeeper who saved his team not once. Loko plays at home with great support and Tom’ will be tired after a tough flight (moreover Tom’ has had a game on Wednesday) so Loko will dominate the game. Loko win (-1) 3 pts. @ 1.97 (Canbet)

4. KS v Spartak Moscow

KS could have got a draw in the last match but both goals were scored by free kicks, moreover the second was in injury time. KS is a team with a tough defense and is not exciting in attack, too many high passes and lack of good combinations. KS has problems with defenders (at least three are injured) and even Jirosek (midfielder) has played as a central defender in the last match. Spartak won against Shinnik 4-2 but the Spartak’s play was not really good and Shinnik were unlucky with referee mistakes (in both my opinion and Shinnik's !). KS has great support in home games but Spartak is a popular team in Russia. Spartak play on counterattacks lately so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Spartak playing defensive football and KS hate playing against defensive teams.  Spartak with dnb @1.57 1.5 pts (Betdiect)

5. Saturn v Dinamo Moscow

Saturn keeps playing awfully. They started their last game again in the formation 4-5-1 and were toothless in attack. Saturn is a team with a great number of experienced players but it’s a team of veterans and they play as players without interest. The fitness of the team looks poor too. The head coach too often says lately that he doesn’t know what to do but he should leave the team too. Dinamo Moscow plays unstable football and shows a far from perfect game, there is a lack of something in their play, the defense of Dinamo is not good (probably because of injures to their defenders). Goalkeeper Shunin is not playing well lately. Saturn are at home and their fans like supporting their team in the games against Moscow teams. No bet.

6. Terek vs Amkar

Terek will play without two central defenders and their synthetic pitch is not a hindrance for Amkar because they play on the same kind of pitch in Perm’. Amkar has a stable squad but will be thinking a lot about the final of the Russian Cup (first time they have reached the final in their history, held on the 17th May) so Amkar may play without desire. Amkar is the better team but Terek have the advantage of playing at home although Terek will play without two regular central defenders Zabavnik and Romanovic who are suspended. Amkar have not been good on the road this season but Terek doesn’t win all their home games so I will  take away win (dnb) @ 2.1 1 pt (Sportingbet)

7. CSKA v Khimki

After a draw in Tomsk, CSKA must take three points in a game against a poor team such as Khimki. CSKA will attack and Khimki will try to build their play on counterattacks. CSKA have been playing better lately and Khimki will have problems to stop their attacks. CSKA will be without some players but all of them have been missing for at least one game so it’s not a great loss. Khimki will play with their best squad. I hope Khimki won’t score and I take under 2.5 0.5 pt @ 2,1 (General)