CSKA Moscow — Krasnodar : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

CSKA Moscow’s Strong Start

Fabio Celestini’s CSKA Moscow has been a delight to watch at the start of the season. The ‘Army Men’ unexpectedly found themselves without a coach after their Russian Cup triumph, as Nikolić opted for Greek AEK and European competitions. However, the Muscovites swiftly secured an excellent new manager from Europe. The team continues to bolster its ranks with promising young talent – Ruiz, Di Luciano, and João Victor have all joined the ‘Red-Blues’ within the last two weeks.

Recent Form and Squad News

The ‘Red-Blues’ maintained their impressive form throughout the week, much to the delight of their fans. They first secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Akron at home in the RPL, followed by a 2-0 win against Baltika’s reserve squad in Kaliningrad, utilizing a rotated lineup. Consequently, CSKA boasts three consecutive wins in the championship and trails current leaders Krasnodar by just a single point – a team they are set to face next. Alerrandro’s participation in this crucial match remains uncertain, as he is currently listed as doubtful.

Krasnodar’s Form and Key Absences

Krasnodar has demonstrably grown stronger, with their championship lead reflecting both a well-gelled squad and astute summer reinforcements. The arrivals of Jubal, Douglas Augusto, and the now-scoring Frenchman Perrin have undeniably bolstered the ‘Bulls,’ significantly enhancing their squad depth. Last week, the Russian champions dominated Krylia Sovetov in Samara. Midweek, they showcased their prowess in Sochi with a rotated squad, impressively defeating their opponents 4-2 at Fisht Stadium in the Russian Cup. Murad Musaev’s side currently boasts six consecutive victories across various tournaments and holds the top spot in the Russian championship. However, the upcoming clash against CSKA promises to be challenging, especially given the prolific attacking output of Spertsyan, Cordoba, and their teammates. Kobnan and Olasa are set to miss this encounter against the ‘Army Men’.