The tenth round of the Russian Premier League features several intriguing matchups. Notably, the clash between Baltika and CSKA at VEB Arena stands out; it`s unusual but true that Kaliningrad`s Baltika is currently among the league leaders. One match has already concluded: Dynamo Moscow defeated Krylia Sovetov in Samara with a score of 3:2.
The tenth round of the domestic Premier League is underway. Bookmakers still consider Zenit the top favorite. Why? Sport-Express suggests: “In the next three rounds, the blue-white-sky blues are expected to secure nine points.” Their upcoming opponents include Orenburg this Saturday at 19:30, followed by Akron and Sochi.
Also on Saturday, thirty minutes earlier, the reigning champion and league leader Krasnodar will play in Rostov. The team`s mood is likely still affected by their home defeat to Zenit in the previous round. However, the potential of Musaev`s team is immense; they have grown stronger compared to last year, as noted by two-time Russian champion Roman Sharonov:
“Krasnodar has changed slightly compared to last year. They`ve started utilizing central midfielders more. Last year, it was often clear that there was a vertical pass to Cordoba, he`d hold the ball, and they`d launch attacks. Now, with these reinforcements—two players—they look very good in that area. Krasnodar no longer relies solely on long passes; they advance the ball. They`ve changed direction. And then they progress the ball through team interactions. We now see the ball near the penalty area, a potential goal. Last year, I didn`t see these interactions where a central defender passes to a holding midfielder and they play through the center. Therefore, Krasnodar has evolved in its attacking structure.”
The two new central midfielders are indeed Perrin and Douglas Augusto. Auxerre received 5 million euros for the former, and Nantes received 6.5 million for the latter.
Also on Saturday, Lokomotiv hosts Rubin. Will the “Railroaders” achieve their sixth consecutive draw? Sunday`s highlight is the battle between second and third place: CSKA and Baltika. The secret to the RPL newcomer`s success lies in their phenomenal stamina, relentless movement, and coach Talalaev`s demanding approach. Alexander Grigoryan, former head coach of Khimki, Anji, and Kuban, commented on “Match Premier” channel:
“Baltika lacks individual skill. But Andrei Viktorovich [Talalaev] is a unique coach. There`s no coach in our country stronger in his ability to dictate tempo, win tackles, win second balls, and dominate transitions. He has managed to tie all our top clubs in knots. Seriously, he just tied them in knots. Three and a half months ago, when there were predictions about who could be a sensation, I said: `Baltika could finish in the top five or six.` Similarly, in the first division, teams with stylistic features based on possession-based football found it impossible to demonstrate that against his teams.”
A few scattered updates: Spartak coach Stankovic, his player Umyarov, Dynamo`s Caceres, and Lokomotiv`s Bakaev are all suspended for this round. Lokomotiv, by the way, unveiled a new team mascot named Rails. Evgeny Giner`s granddaughter, Sasha, has become the host of CSKA TV. Former Zenit, Russia national team, and Le Havre midfielder Daler Kuzyaev has returned to his native Tatarstan, signing a one-year contract with Rubin.
Current Standings:
- Krasnodar – 19 points
- CSKA – 18 points
- Baltika and Lokomotiv – 17 points each (Kaliningrad`s Baltika is higher on goal difference)
- Zenit – 5th place, 16 points
- Rubin, Dynamo, and Spartak (hosting Pari NN on Sunday) – 15 points each
- Dynamo – 12 points, 9th position
For the second time this season, the federal broadcaster “Match TV” will air only one match live this round: Saturday`s clash between Zenit and Orenburg.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth