Match Overview

This highly anticipated third-round encounter of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 will see Orenburg host Zenit on August 26 at the Gazovik Stadium. Here’s a comprehensive match preview, including our expert prediction, betting recommendations, key statistics, and odds.

Team Analysis: FC Orenburg

Recent Form and Performance

Under the guidance of Vladimir Slishkovic, Orenburg showed resilience, bouncing back from an opening-round defeat to Rubin by securing a 2-1 victory over Akhmat in the previous fixture. This recent success, however, marks only their second win in their last nine Russian Cup outings, alongside seven losses. Collecting three crucial points has propelled the Orenburg side to third place in Group A. It’s also worth noting that the team has struggled defensively, conceding goals in eight of their last nine national Cup appearances.

Key Orenburg Statistics

• Orenburg has found the net in 11 of their last 13 Russian Cup matches.
• At their home ground, Orenburg’s last six tournament encounters have not ended in a draw, with a record of three victories and three defeats.
• The team has managed to keep opponents to one goal or less in six of their previous eight home matches in the national Cup.

Orenburg’s Probable Starting XI (3-5-2)*

Andrey Khodanovich – Aleksey Tataev, Maksim Syschenko, Nikolay Koserik – Georgy Zotov, Aleksey Baranovsky, Vladislav Kamilov, Stanislav Poroykov, Atsamaz Revazov – Gedeon Guzina, Jordi Thompson.

Team Analysis: FC Zenit

Dominant Cup Run

Under the leadership of Sergei Semak, Zenit has enjoyed a flawless start to this season’s tournament, securing two impressive victories. Following an away triumph against Akhmat, the St. Petersburg giants dominated Rubin with a commanding 3-0 win on home soil. Notably, Zenit is the sole team in the group stage to have won both of their matches in regular time. This formidable performance has placed them at the top of Group A, boasting the best goal-scoring record with five goals. Furthermore, the “Petersburgers” have an exceptional record in the Russian Cup, winning 10 of their last 11 fixtures, with just one defeat.

Key Zenit Statistics

• Zenit has kept at least one opponent from scoring in five of their last six national Cup encounters.
• Five of Zenit’s last seven away matches in this tournament have seen a total of two goals or fewer.
• Zenit has taken the lead by scoring the opening goal in six of their last seven away games in the Russian Cup.

Zenit’s Probable Starting XI (4-4-2)*

Denis Adamov – Arsen Adamov, Nuraly Alip, Roman Vega, Strahinja Erakovic – Andrey Mostovoy, Yuri Gorshkov, Yaroslav Mikhailov, Maksim Glushenkov – Luciano Gondou, Mateo Cassierra.

Match Prediction: Orenburg vs Zenit

Zenit’s Strong Cup Form Against a Familiar Foe

While their Russian Premier League campaign might be experiencing a few bumps, Zenit, under Sergei Semak, has been in formidable form in the Russian Cup. They have amassed a perfect record of maximum points and currently boast the best goal-scoring efficiency among all group stage contenders. Although we anticipate a rotated squad for the “Petersburgers” in this fixture, it’s highly improbable that this will hinder their ability to overcome a historically favorable opponent. Zenit has dominated Orenburg in their head-to-head Premier League encounters, securing victory in 10 out of 12 matches, with only one draw and one defeat.

Orenburg’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

It’s also probable that Vladimir Slishkovic will opt to give game time to his fringe players. However, the depth and quality of Orenburg’s reserve squad are considerably inferior to Zenit’s. Even their primary lineup has demonstrated tendencies to spring unwelcome surprises on their fans; in their last RPL match, the club conceded two goals despite having a numerical advantage. Orenburg’s defensive woes extend to the national Cup, where they have conceded in eight of their last nine games, allowing two or more goals in five of those instances. Containing one of the tournament’s most potent attacks will undoubtedly be a formidable challenge for them.  

Final Verdict and Betting Recommendation

Given these compelling factors, our expert prediction for this match is a Zenit Victory combined with Over 1.5 Goals.

Important Note on Lineups

*The listed probable lineups reflect each team’s starting XI from their last match in this tournament.