FC Sochi — Krasnodar : Match Preview and Prediction for August 27,2025

Sochi’s Defensive Struggles

FC Sochi appears to be bracing for a challenging autumn, potentially without head coach Robert Moreno. Despite entering the new RPL season with a somewhat refreshed squad, Moreno’s aggressive, open style of play against all opponents consistently exposes a vulnerable defensive line. Recent results, such as a humbling 1-5 defeat to Krasnodar in the southern derby and a 0-2 home loss against Baltika, clearly underscore these defensive frailties.

Team Morale and Player Availability

Under the Spanish manager, Sochi has conceded two or more goals in six of their eight matches this season. This concerning trend could easily persist in their upcoming cup derby against Krasnodar. Unsurprisingly, such inconsistent results and Moreno’s unconventional management style are not being well-received within the squad. Meleshin will be sidelined for this fixture due to a long-standing knee injury, but Brazilian defender Marcelo Alves is expected to return to the pitch after serving his suspension.

Krasnodar’s Dominance and Squad Depth

The reigning Russian champion stands in stark contrast to an RPL newcomer – truly a difference of ‘heaven and earth’. With the integration of new signings like Perrin, Douglas Augusto, and Jubal, the squad has only grown stronger, significantly enhancing its depth. Following a dominant victory over Krylia Sovetov, where the Frenchman Perrin scored on his debut for the ‘Bulls’, Krasnodar’s dark-green attack has once again demonstrated its formidable prowess.

Exceptional Form and Attacking Prowess

After a resounding 4-0 win against Dynamo in the cup and a 5-1 home triumph over Sochi in the RPL, Krasnodar boasts not only five consecutive victories but also a streak of three matches where they’ve scored no fewer than four goals against their opponents. The ‘Bulls’ also possess a wealth of talented young players, including Mukailov (who netted a brace against Dynamo) and Khmarin, so concerns about the squad depth and the quality of play under Musaev are currently unwarranted. Kobnan and Olasa remain unavailable for selection for the ‘Bulls’ at this time.