Krasnodar – Amkar Perm. Thomas Giles prediction

This game is very similar to both Rubin v CSKA and Krylia v Anzhi in that only one of the sides competing in the match has something to play for. Krasnodar are looking to ensure they are placed into the further qualification rounds of the Europa League by consolidating their fourth place position.

Furthermore, in Fyodor Smolov they have one of the in-form strikers not only in Russia, but throughout Europe. Krasnodar’s last match against CSKA Moscow was the first time t he former Ural man had not scored in seven matches. Before then he had 13 goals in those seven matches which boosted him to the top of the Russian Premier League goalscoring charts. It is now a serious competition between him and Zenit striker Artyom Dzyuba to see who starts up front for Russia at Euro 2016 so he will look to end the season with a bang.

As already explained, Amkar have nothing to play for as their survival was confirmed in their recent 1-0 victory at home to struggling Ufa. With this in mind I doubt they will put up much of a fight and I expect Krasnodar to come out of the blocks quickly to put this game to bed in the first half.