The Matchday 1 clash of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Dynamo Moscow and Sochi will take place on July 29 at the VTB Arena. Dynamo Moscow vs. Sochi: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dynamo Moscow
The Moscow club finished second in their group in the previous tournament, remaining unbeaten in regular time in 4 out of 6 matches (3 wins, 1 draw). Notably, Dynamo scored 17 goals, sharing the title of the most prolific team of the group stage with Lokomotiv. However, they also conceded 13 goals, the worst among all clubs reaching the playoffs. Ultimately, Dynamo reached the second stage of the 1/2 finals in the Regions Path, losing at this stage to Spartak.
- The team has not won in 5 of their last 7 Russian Cup matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Dynamo's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The team has conceded in 5 of their last 6 home games in the national cup.
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Moscow (3-4-3)
Andrey Lunev – Maksim Osipenko, Roberto Fernandez, Juan Caceres – Daniil Fomin, Bitello, Danil Glebov, Alexander Kutitsky – Ivan Sergeev, Mumi Ngamale, Yaroslav Gladyyshev.
Defenders Milan Majstorovic, Roberto Fernandez, forwards Konstantin Tyukavin and Artur Gomes, as well as midfielder Luis Chavez, are in the team's infirmary.
Sochi
Last season, Sochi competed in the lower bracket of the tournament. The team advanced through three rounds but was defeated by Dynamo Makhachkala in the first stage of the 1/4 finals in the Regions Path via penalties. The year before, Sochi, as a representative of the RPL, participated in the group stage and finished third. However, they were eliminated in their first playoff match.
- The club has not lost in regular time in their last 6 Russian Cup matches (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Sochi has scored in 6 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
- In 5 of their last 6 away matches in the national cup, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Sochi (4-4-2)
Maksim Rudakov – Kirill Zaika, Artem Makarchuk, Marcelo Alves, Alexander Osipov – Ignacio Saavedra, Alexander Kovalenko, Anton Zinkovsky, Roman Yezhov – Saul Guarirapa, Martin Kramaric.
Forward Pavel Meleshin is injured.
Match Prediction: Dynamo Moscow vs. Sochi
Sochi had a terrible start to the new season, suffering two defeats in the RPL with a total score of 0-7. Rumors of the head coach's imminent dismissal have surfaced, and the players' morale has taken a hit. It's clear that Sochi needs to achieve a positive result as soon as possible. However, it's uncertain if they can do so even in the Cup. Nevertheless, Sochi's motivation should be extremely high. I believe the club will strive to challenge the opponent's defense. Notably, Sochi has scored in 8 consecutive national cup matches and has found the net in 5 straight league encounters against Dynamo.
Valeriy Karpin will likely rotate the squad, especially with an upcoming Premier League clash against Krasnodar. It's worth noting that Dynamo kept a clean sheet in only 2 of their 10 Russian Cup matches last season, and they didn't manage a single shutout during the group stage. I believe the upcoming opponent will manage at least one successful strike. My prediction: Sochi Individual Total Over 0.5
