After giving a good account of themselves in the 1-0 defeat at Anoeta, FK Krasnodar will be feeling confident ahead of the return match in Russia.

La Real go into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat to Eibar, and no doubt they face a difficult task at Stadion Kuban.

FK Krasnodar are enjoying the most successful period in club’s history and last year’s fifth-place finish in the league was just a sign of things to come.

The club chiefs ensured to further reinforce the squad over the summer, adding the likes of Akhmedov, Izmailov, Bystrov and Dikan to the existing pool of talent.

Four comfortable wins in Europa League saw them square off with Real Sociedad in the final qualifying round, and they were somewhat unfortunate to suffer a 1-0 loss in the first leg.

Having matched their more illustrious opponents for large periods of the match and had a goal wrongfully disallowed, FK Krasnodar are 2.55 (14/9) to win the return match.

Even with coach Oleg Kononov resting some of his star players at the weekend, his charges secured a 3-0 triumph over Torpedo Moskva, although it has to be noted they were largely outplayed by the home side.

Joaozinho, Marat Izmailov, Andreas Granqvist, Ari and Andriy Dikan should be recalled to the starting line-up, while Moussa Konate has recovered from injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Dikan – Jederzejczyk, Sigurdsson, Granqvist, Petrov – Izmailov, Gazinskiy, Akhmedov – Pereyra, Ari, Joaozinho.

Even if most key players have remained at Anoeta, there are no doubts the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Claudio Bravo will be sorely missed.

La Real haven’t quite managed to sign decent replacements for the pair, although Alfred Finnbogason is expected to play a major part this term.

Jagoba Arrasate’s side produced a good performance in their opening fixture of the season to edge closer to Europa League group stages, and the 1-0 lead puts them in a very good position ahead of the return match.

Real Sociedad are available at 1.22 (2/9) to qualify for the next stage, although the game in Russia will be anything but a walk in the park.

La Real were unable to spoil the party for La Liga newcomers Eibar as they were beaten 1-0 at the weekend, with a five-hour trip to Krasnodar next on agenda.

Alfred Finnbogason and Jon Ansotegi remain on the sidelines, but Carlos Vela is pushing for a start as he continues to build match fitness.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Zubikarai – Zaldua, Elustondo, I. Martinez, De La Bella – Granero, Bergara – Prieto, Canales, Vela – Agirretxe.