Match Overview

The 10th-round match of the MIR RPL between Dinamo Makhachkala and FC Sochi is scheduled for September 28 at the Anji Arena in Kaspiysk. This preview offers a detailed forecast, betting tips, odds, and statistics for the Dinamo Makhachkala vs FC Sochi encounter.

Dinamo Makhachkala Team Analysis

Recent Form and Standings

In their last league fixture, Dinamo Makhachkala secured a 1-1 home draw against Lokomotiv. Hasambi Bidzhiev’s side has registered only one victory in their last six championship matches, alongside two draws and three defeats. Notably, the team failed to score in three of those encounters. However, against Lokomotiv, they recorded 6 shots on target, double their average. Dinamo currently sits 12th in the league table, three points clear of the relegation zone.

• Fewer than three goals were scored in 12 of Dinamo Makhachkala’s last 13 RPL games.
• At home, the team has avoided defeat in 8 of their last 10 RPL matches, recording 4 wins and 4 draws.
• In their last 6 home games in this competition, Dinamo has conceded no more than one goal per match.

Predicted Lineup: Dinamo Makhachkala (4-5-1)

David Volk – Temirkan Sundukov, Mutalip Alibekov, Jemal Tabidze, Imadeddin Azzi – Nikita Glushkov, Mohamed Azzi, Mohammadjavad Hosseinnejad, Oussem Mrezigue, Hazem Mastouri – Hamid Agalarov.

Defender Yan Djapo and midfielder Mehdi El-Moubarik are currently sidelined with injuries.

FC Sochi Team Analysis

Recent Performance and League Position

In the previous round, Sochi scored the opening goal for the first time this season but failed to maintain their lead, ultimately losing 1-3 to CSKA. This marked their eighth defeat (with one draw) in the 2025/26 RPL season. As a result, Igor Osinkin’s team is currently at the very bottom of the league table. The Southern side also has the worst defensive record, having conceded 24 goals, and has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League matches.

• At least one goal was scored in both halves in 5 of Sochi’s last 7 league matches.
• The team is currently on a 5-match losing streak away from home in this competition.
• FC Sochi managed to score in 5 of their last 7 away RPL games.

Predicted Lineup: FC Sochi (4-5-1)

Yury Dyupin – Kirill Zaika, Yahia Attiyat-Allah, Sergey Volkov, Alexander Soldatenkov – Dmitry Vasiliev, Ruslan Bart, Anton Zinkovsky, Ignacio Saavedra, Kirill Kravtsov – Zakhar Fedorov.

Forward Pavel Meleshin, midfielder Mikhail Ignatov, and defender Marcelo Alves are injured. Midfielder Martin Kramaric will miss two matches due to suspension.

Match Official

Ivan Abrosimov (Russia)

Matches – 15 (RPL, 2024/25 – 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellow) – 65;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 26;

Penalties awarded – 20%.

Dinamo Makhachkala vs FC Sochi Match Prediction

Sochi’s Attacking Struggles and Defensive Woes

From a creative standpoint, Sochi’s match against CSKA was one of their better performances this season. However, their poor finishing prevented them from scoring more than one goal for the first time. While CSKA’s defense often allows opponents considerable space, such opportunities are unlikely to be granted by their upcoming opponent. Sochi’s defense has been highly porous, though it’s worth noting they have already faced most of the top-half teams. Dinamo Makhachkala’s offensive output is significantly lower than these stronger sides.

Dinamo’s Defensive Strength and Offensive Limitations

Dinamo, similar to Sochi, has only scored 5 goals this season. The last time Hasambi Bidzhiev’s team scored more than once in the RPL was back in April. I anticipate that the hosts will find it challenging to break down even their current opponent’s defense. However, Dinamo can be confident in their own defensive capabilities. In their last five home Premier League matches, the club has conceded just three goals, and they effectively stifled Lokomotiv’s attack – the league’s second-highest scoring team – in their previous fixture.

My prediction: Total Goals Under 2.5 with odds of 1.60

Alexei Tarabrin