Irkutsk’s Recent Form and Setback

Unexpected Loss and League Aspirations

On Sunday, Irkutsk unexpectedly lost to Cherepovets (1-2), marking their first slip-up since late June. It appears that Dzuytsev’s team is no longer strongly contending for a top-three finish in their league, with the gap to the podium widening to eight points. In their away match against Ulan-Ude, the red-greens dominated possession and scored five goals by the 35th minute. It seems unlikely they can conjure a miracle against an opponent two divisions higher.

Sibir’s Strength and Cup Ambitions

Perhaps the bookmakers, who have listed Sibir as the underdog in this fixture, were influenced by the team’s less-than-ideal start in the “Gold” league. On the other hand, the “Eagles” performed confidently against Leningradets (4-0) and Volgar (1-1) in their last two league matches. Only Tekstilshchik (seven goals) and the leading Tyumen (10 goals) have scored more than Sibir’s six goals in the division. Treneev’s players received a bye in the first round of the Russian Cup, and now, by their status, they cannot afford to be eliminated by a competitor from the Second League’s Group B.

Match Prediction

In this inaugural head-to-head encounter between Irkutsk and Sibir, it’s challenging to predict the flow of events regarding goal-scoring. Most likely, the hosts, being in better form, will seize the initiative, but this might not allow them to easily penetrate the “Eagles'” defense. Therefore, I will opt for a “double chance” bet favoring the visitors.