Having climbed to the sixth place in the standings with back to back wins over Rostov and Volga, Spartak are looking to continue the rich vein of form as well as their climb in the league table. Kuban, on the other hand, are clearly on the downtrend and they will find it hard to face high-flying Spartak.

Demy De Zeeuw in line for debut

Spartak Moscow enjoyed somewhat poor start to the domestic season, even though they started preparations for new league campaign earlier than other Russian sides because of their Europa League commitments, but the team have shown a lot of improvement lately and are now very close to Champions League places. Valery Karpin’s side have been in very good form lately, winning three of their last four league games and after beating Volga away, the Red and Whites are brimming with confidence before the Kuban game. New signing from Ajax Demy De Zeeuw could be handed a competitive debut, but striker Emmanuel Emenike, who is set to sign from Fenerbahce will not be in contention. On the other hand, midfielder Ibson and defender Malik Fathi have left the club for Santos and Mainz respectively.

Defenders Nicolas Pareja and Marcos Rojo will not be in contention after arriving late from Copa America, but striker Welliton should start. Aiden McGeady remains long-term casualty.

Kuban on the downtrend

Kuban Krasnodar returned to the elite division after winning the second division title last season and they had a very promising start to the Russian Premier League campaign. However, once the excitement subsided, Dan Petrescu’s side started struggling and they are now going through a very rough patch, having lost five of last six games in all competitions. After losing the Cup game to Russian second division side Dinamo Bryansk, Kuban succumbed to 3:1 defeat to Tom Tomsk at home, proving they are now far from the desires form. The players are clearly low on confidence following the dismal run of results, so there is no doubt they face an uphill task against in-form Spartak.

Important players Vladislav Kulik and Lacina Traore are doubtful with injuries, which only adds to the worries.

Verdict

Spartak have been in impressive form of late and with Demy De Zeuuw likely to start, Valery Karpin’s side will get a new quality in midfield. Kuban are largely struggling at the moment and I don’t think they can stop Spartak from winning this game.

Our prediction: Spartak with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.08 (27/25)

Bookmaker: Bet365