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
The team from Grozny finished second in Group C in the previous tournament. They showed uncompromising results with 3 wins and 3 losses. In the first round of the RPL Path, Akhmat lost to Zenit (0-3, 1-2), and in the lower bracket, the club ended their journey at the first stage of the semi-finals. Notably, Akhmat has advanced from the group stage for three consecutive seasons. However, they have lost 5 of their last 7 matches in the Russian Cup (2 wins).
- Akhmat has conceded in their last 5 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 Ibishov, Darko Todorovic, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nader Ghandri – Egas Kasinatura, Lechi Sadulaev, Ismael Silva, Manuel Kelianu, Brian Mansilla – Mohamed Konate.
Zenit
The 2023/24 Russian Cup holder started the previous tournament confidently. Zenit won Group D (5 wins, 1 draw), and with only 2 goals conceded, the team was one of the best among all participants in the group stage. Ultimately, Zenit reached the RPL Path final, where they lost to the eventual tournament winner. However, under Sergei Semak, they have not lost in regular time in the Russian Cup for 7 matches (6 wins, 1 draw).
- At least one opponent has failed to score in 8 of Zenit's last 9 national Cup matches.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 7 matches 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 Enrique, 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 started the season poorly, losing both league matches. Overall, Akhmat's current results are weak. The team has only one win in their last 10 official matches (2 draws, 7 losses), and that win came against a First League team in playoff matches. It will be very challenging to secure a positive result against Zenit, whom they have lost to in 6 consecutive RPL and Russian Cup encounters.
Zenit's performance might raise questions, yet Sergei Semak's side has won 6 of their last 8 official matches. Notably, the only loss ended a 6-match winning streak in the national Cup. Furthermore, in the previous Russian Cup, the team defeated Akhmat twice in the RPL Path quarter-finals, even allowing for minor squad rotation during the playoffs.
My prediction: Zenit to win
