The first leg of the Russian Cup 2024/25 RPL Path semi-final between CSKA and Dynamo Moscow will take place on March 12 at the VEB Arena in Moscow. CSKA vs. Dynamo Moscow: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
CSKA
Under Marko Nikolic, CSKA defeated Rubin on aggregate (0-0 and 3-0) in the previous round. As a result, CSKA has extended their unbeaten streak in regular time in the Russian Cup to seven matches (5 wins, 2 draws). Moreover, the club has not conceded a single goal in their last six games in this tournament. Notably, in the current edition of the national cup, the team has conceded only two goals, matching the best defensive record among the remaining clubs in the competition.
- The team has not lost in regular time in their last nine home matches in the Russian Cup (6 wins, 3 draws).
- The club has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home games in this tournament.
- CSKA has scored exactly one or two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the national cup.
Predicted lineup for CSKA (4-3-3)
Igor Akinfeev – Daniil Krugovoy, Igor Diveev, Willian Rocha, Kellven – Kristijan Bistrovic, Matvey Kislyak, Rifat Zhemaletdinov – Artem Shumansky, Tamerlan Musaev, Ivan Oblyakov.
Dynamo Moscow
Under Marcel Licka, Dynamo progressed past Lokomotiv in the RPL Path quarter-finals, emerging victorious on aggregate (1-2 and 1-0, on penalties 4-3). In the second leg, Dynamo kept a clean sheet in regular time for the first time in 12 Russian Cup games. Moreover, prior to this, the club had conceded at least two goals in four consecutive matches in this tournament. Notably, Dynamo has scored 19 goals in the current edition of the national cup, ranking alongside Lokomotiv as one of the top two teams in this regard.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the national cup (3 wins, 2 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of their last 6 away games in this tournament.
- Dynamo has conceded at least two goals in regular time in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Russian Cup.
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Moscow (4-4-2)
Igor Leshchuk – Juan Caceres, Dmitry Skopintsev, Alexander Kutitsky, Fabian Balbuena – Daniil Fomin, Jorge Carrascal, Egor Smelov, Arthur Gomes – Yaroslav Gladyshev, El Mehdi Maukub.
Defender Diego Laxalt and forward Konstantin Tyukavin are sidelined due to injuries.
Referee
Kirill Levnikov (Russia)
Matches – 7 (Russian Cup, 2022/23 - 2023/24);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 43%.
Match Prediction: CSKA vs. Dynamo Moscow
This will be a clash of teams known for their prolific performances in cup matches. CSKA plays aggressively at home, scoring regularly and in substantial numbers: in their last nine home matches in the national cup, the club has scored, with players finding the net at least twice in regular time in five of those games.
Dynamo also prioritizes attacking play, even away from home. In 12 of their last 14 away matches in the Russian Cup, the club has breached the opposition's defense, scoring at least twice in five of those encounters. Furthermore, in this tournament's current edition, Dynamo has scored nine goals in away matches.
Additionally, in the last four head-to-head encounters, at least three goals have been scored. I expect another high-scoring game, so my prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match.
