Match Introduction
The second-round fixture of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 Path of Regions will see Avangard take on Broke Boys. The match is scheduled for August 21 at the V.I. Lenin Central Stadium in Orel. This comprehensive preview offers a forecast, analysis, and key statistics for the Avangard – Broke Boys encounter.
Avangard: Team Performance Overview
Avangard, a finalist in the 2017/18 national Cup, has recently struggled to deliver strong performances for their supporters. Over the past five Russian Cup editions, the Kursk-based team has only managed to advance past the second qualifying round once. Furthermore, Avangard has failed to score a single goal in their last three outings in this specific tournament. Their form in the Second League is also concerning, as Igor Belyaev’s squad currently sits at the bottom of the table in the Silver division.
Avangard: Statistical Highlights
- The team has conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 national Cup matches.
- Avangard has found the net in 7 of their last 10 home games in this competition.
- On their home turf, Avangard has opened the scoring in their last 5 Russian Cup fixtures.
Avangard: Expected Starting Lineup (4-5-1)
Egor Skorobogatko – Alexey Sukharev, Kirill Balashov, Viktor Kozyrev, Ilya Mamkin – Nikita Khvat, Alexander Nadolsky, Vladislav Ignatenko, Maxim Slobodchikov, Artyom Nekrasov – Denis Beskorovainy.
Broke Boys: Recent Form and Squad News
For their second consecutive Russian Cup campaign, Broke Boys have successfully navigated the first round. In their previous match, Igor Zvezdin’s side secured a 3:2 home victory against Orel. This marked the first time Broke Boys scored more than one goal in this tournament, though they had previously conceded a maximum of one goal per game.
The team roster has been bolstered by the addition of forward Fedor Smolov.Broke Boys: Key Performance Indicators
- Broke Boys have remained unbeaten in 5 of their last 6 matches across the Media League and Russian Cup (3 wins, 2 draws).
- The club has scored in 14 of their last 16 games in these competitions.
Broke Boys: Expected Starting Lineup (3-4-3)
Ivan Zirikov – Ilya Davydov, Sergey Kiryakov, Svyatoslav Muradov – Vladimir Lobkarev, Artem Abramyan, Denis Anisimov, Ilya Mazurov – Maxim Mayrovich, Sergey Sorokin, Nikita Shershnev.
Match Official: Evgeny Timofeev
Evgeny Timofeev (Russia) will officiate the match.
Referee Statistics (2024/25 Season)
Matches officiated – 15 (Second League and Russian Cup);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellow) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties awarded – 13%.
Main Match Prediction: Avangard vs Broke Boys
The media team, Broke Boys, holds a strong chance of reaching the third round of the national Cup for the first time in their history. Avangard, their opponent, appears to be in a vulnerable state. Avangard is currently enduring a 5-match winless streak in the Second League, and they failed to keep a clean sheet even in the single match during this period where they managed to secure points. Furthermore, they have the highest number of conceded goals in their league group. Their defensive reliability also falters in the Russian Cup: in 6 of their last 8 home games, Avangard has consistently conceded exactly two goals.
Broke Boys have significantly strengthened their squad. While Fedor Smolov might not play the entire match, his presence is a colossal advantage at the Second League level. The forward is expected to substantially enhance Broke Boys’ attacking prowess, especially after they scored three goals in their last match. However, Igor Zvezdin’s team must also address their defensive vulnerabilities. The team has regularly conceded goals in the MFL, and their upcoming opponent has managed to score 11 times in their last 5 home matches in the national Cup.
Key Betting Tip
I anticipate a high-scoring encounter. My prediction: “Total Goals Over 2.5” with odds of 1.85