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

Sochi’s Dire League Form

FC Sochi’s league campaign is progressively pushing them closer to relegation. While 24 fixtures remain, a continuation of their current performance could solidify their status as relegation candidates by mid-season. The Southern Eagles are still winless in the Russian Premier League, having secured only one point from six matches. Their start was disastrous, marked by a 0-7 aggregate after just two rounds: a 0-3 loss to Lokomotiv followed by a 0-4 defeat against Akron. This streak of misfortunes extended with an away loss to Rubin (1-2). Their solitary point was earned in a 1-1 draw against Dynamo Moscow, a team often seen as a “Robin Hood” figure in the league. However, Krasnodar swiftly brought Roberto Moreno’s squad back to reality with a dominant 5-1 victory. Hopes for a turnaround were pinned on their home fixture against Baltika, but that too ended in disappointment with a 0-2 loss. Consequently, Sochi finds themselves rooted at the bottom, 16th place, with a goal difference of 3-17.

Cup Performance and Youth Potential

Interestingly, Sochi’s bench players have delivered quite respectable results in the Russian Cup. They first put up a spirited fight away against Dynamo Moscow, leading 2-1 at halftime before eventually losing 2-3. Subsequently, they secured their first and only victory of the current season by defeating Krylia Sovetov (1-1) after a 5-3 penalty shootout. Perhaps the Spanish coach should consider giving these young players a chance in the RPL? It’s unlikely to worsen their situation, as these youngsters appear to be performing more competently than the established first-team players.

Sochi’s Injury Report

Roberto Moreno faces minimal injury concerns, with only Meleshin currently sidelined.

Krasnodar’s Strong League Resurgence

Krasnodar’s season began less ideally than hoped, with a 0-1 loss to CSKA in the Russian Super Cup. However, they have significantly steadied their course in the league, despite accumulating only three points in their initial two fixtures: a 3-0 victory over Pari NN and a 1-2 defeat to Lokomotiv. The “Bulls” have since hit top gear, winning their last four RPL matches with an impressive aggregate score of 13-1! Only Sochi managed to breach their defense in a 5-1 thrashing. In contrast, Dynamo Moscow (1-0), Gazovik (1-0), and Krylia Sovetov (6-0) all left the field not only with zero points but also without finding the back of the net.

Youthful Prowess in the Cup

In the national cup, Krasnodar also relies on young talents who consistently give their all in every encounter. After a somewhat unexpected 1-2 home loss to Krylia, they immediately bounced back with a dominant 4-0 away victory against Dynamo Moscow.

Krasnodar’s Squad Availability

Murad Musaev will be without three players who were unlikely to feature anyway: Moses, Stezhko, and Olasa.