The Matchday 1 clash of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Akhmat and Zenit will take place on July 30 at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Akhmat vs. Zenit: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Akhmat
Last season, the Grozny side finished second in Group C of the tournament. The team showed uncompromising results, securing 3 wins and suffering 3 defeats. In the first round of the RPL Path, Akhmat lost to Zenit (0-3, 1-2), and in the lower bracket of the tournament, the club ended their campaign at the first stage of the semi-finals. Notably, Grozny has advanced from the group stage for three consecutive seasons. However, the team has lost 5 of their last 7 Russian Cup matches (2 wins).
- Akhmat has conceded in their last 7 matches in the national cup.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Akhmat's last 9 home games in this tournament.
- The team has scored against their upcoming opponent in 5 of the last 7 official head-to-head meetings.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Vadim Ulyanov – Turpal-Ali Ibisev, Darko Todorovic, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nader Ghandri – Egash Kasintura, Lechi Sadulaev, Ismael Silva, Manuel Kelianu, Brian Mansilla – Mohamed Konate.
Zenit
The holders of the Russian Cup 2023/24 started the last tournament very confidently. The St. Petersburg team won Group D (5 wins, 1 draw), and with only 2 goals conceded, they were among the best defensively in the group stage. Ultimately, Zenit reached the final of the RPL Path, where they lost to the eventual tournament winners. Under the guidance of Sergey Semak, Zenit has not lost in regular time in the Russian Cup for 7 matches (6 wins, 1 draw).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 8 of Zenit's last 9 matches in the national cup.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 7 games in this tournament.
- Zenit has conceded in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Russian Cup.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Evgeny Latyshonok – Douglas Santos, Vanya Drkusic, Nino, Gustavo Mantuan – Gerson Santos, Wilmar Barrios, Maxim Glushenkov, Pedro Henrique, Andrey Mostovoy – Mateo Cassierra.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev and midfielder Sasha Zdjelar are injured. Forward Luis Enrique and defender Strahinja Erakovic missed the league round.
Referee
Mikhail Cheremnykh (Russia)
Matches – 6 (Russian Cup, 2022/23 - 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 15;
Penalties – 17%.
Akhmat vs. Zenit: Match Prediction
Grozny has had a poor start to the season, losing both of their league matches. Overall, Akhmat's recent results have been weak. The team has secured just one win in their last 10 official matches (2 draws, 7 losses), with the victory coming against a First League side in the playoffs. Securing a positive outcome against Zenit, a team they have lost to in their last 6 encounters in the RPL and Russian Cup, will be very challenging.
Zenit's performance may raise some questions, but Sergey Semak's side has won 6 of their last 8 official matches. Notably, their only defeat in this stretch ended a streak of 6 consecutive Russian Cup victories. Additionally, in the last Russian Cup, the team defeated Akhmat twice in the RPL Path quarter-finals, even allowing for some squad rotation in the playoffs.
My prediction: Zenit to win
