Match Overview: Ural vs Fakel in FNL

The 7th round of the PARI First League (FNL) features a compelling fixture between Ural and Fakel, scheduled for August 31st at the Ekaterinburg Arena. This match-up promises an exciting clash, and our preview provides a comprehensive forecast, including key statistics and an expert analysis.

Team Analysis: Ural

The Ekaterinburg side secured a dominant 4-0 home victory against Volga in their previous fixture. This marked their fifth win of the current season (with only 1 defeat) and their most substantial win since the beginning of the last FNL campaign. Miroslav Romashchenko’s squad has shown impressive offensive prowess, netting at least two goals in four of their last five First League matches. With 12 goals scored, they currently share the league lead in total goals with KAMAZ. Ural occupies the second spot in the overall standings and is noted for its disciplined play, averaging just 11 fouls per game.

Ural’s Key Statistics

• Ural has conceded goals in 11 of their last 13 FNL matches.
• At home in this tournament, Ural boasts an impressive streak of 5 consecutive victories.
• At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 7 of the club’s last 8 home championship games.

Ural’s Projected Lineup (4-5-1)

Aleksandr Selikhov – Silvie Begic, Vladislav Malkevich, Matvey Bardachev, Egor Mosin – Dmitry Prishchepa, Roman Akbashev, Fanil Sungatulin, Timur Ayupov, Ilya Ishkov – Maksim Voronov.

Team Analysis: Fakel

Fakel’s string of 1-0 victories is becoming a consistent feature of their campaign. This result was recorded for the fifth time in the current championship, most recently against Neftekhimik in the last round. While Igor Shalimov’s men are only fifth in the league for attacking output, their defensive solidity is unparalleled, having conceded just one goal. With a perfect record, Fakel currently leads the league table, holding a 3-point advantage over their closest competitor.

Fakel’s Key Statistics

• Fakel has kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 10 First League matches.
• Away from home, the team has won 6 of their last 7 FNL encounters (1 defeat).
• In their last 6 away league games, Fakel has consistently scored either 1 or 2 goals.

Fakel’s Projected Lineup (3-4-3)

Daniil Frolkin – Igor Yurganov, Stanislav Magkeev, Ilya Gaponov – Nuri Abdokov, Butta Magomedov, Kirill Simonov, Ravil Netfullin – Georgy Gongadze, Ilnur Alshin, Belaidi Pousi.

Referee Profile

Andrei Prokopov (Russia)

Andrei Prokopov has officiated 19 matches across the First and Second Leagues during the 2024/25 – 2025/26 seasons. His disciplinary record includes:

• Total Yellow Cards (including second yellows) – 77
• Average Yellow Cards per match – 4.1
• Total Red Cards – 2
• Average Fouls per match – 24
• Penalty Award Rate – 16%

Match Prediction: Ural vs Fakel

Analyzing the Key FNL Clash

Predicting the outcome of this central 7th-round FNL fixture is challenging. Both contenders for promotion to the Russian Premier League are in superb form, collectively securing 11 out of 12 possible victories. Fakel relies on a strong defense, while Ural showcases potent attacking capabilities. It is in this intriguing battle between defense and offense that I believe a viable betting opportunity can be found.

Ural’s Offensive Approach

Miroslav Romashchenko’s team is expected to dictate play, a characteristic style for Ural, especially with the home crowd’s support. Ural has scored at least two goals in their last eight home FNL matches. However, it is worth noting that they have kept only one clean sheet during this period.

Fakel’s Defensive Strategy and Past Performance

When facing less-skilled opponents, Fakel typically aims to control possession. However, this approach is unlikely to be effective against Ekaterinburg. Recalling Fakel’s match against KAMAZ is insightful. The Chelnins held 59% possession and created significant challenges for Igor Shalimov’s side. It was in that very game that Fakel conceded their only goal of the current championship, with the Tatarstan team creating six goal-scoring opportunities—almost as many as Fakel’s other five opponents combined. Nevertheless, KAMAZ’s net also saw two goals. I anticipate a similar dynamic in the upcoming match.

Final Betting Tip

My forecast: “Total Goals Over 1.5” with odds of 1.50

Author

Author: Aleksey Tarabrin