Spartak Moscow Backed to Stay Strong Against Akhmat
Spartak Moscow travel to Akhmat after a dominant opening-round win and a season double over the same opponents last term. With Akhmat showing limited threat in their opener, Spartak look well placed to make it two league wins from two.
By 7MTHScore StaffThe final match of round two in the Russian Premier League takes place early Monday morning, with Spartak Moscow away to Akhmat. Spartak opened the season with a convincing win and also completed a league double over Akhmat last season, so they head into this trip with a clear edge.
Akhmat's overall competitiveness is limited, having finished only ninth last season. Although they showed decent form in pre-season with four wins and one draw from five friendlies, their lack of cutting edge was exposed in the opening league round, when they could only draw with Lokomotiv Moscow. Matters are even less favorable given that Akhmat lost the most recent home meeting against Spartak Moscow. With Spartak having just thrashed Moscow Rodina 3-0 in the first round, Akhmat may be set for their first defeat of the new campaign.
Spartak Moscow faced St. Petersburg in the Russian Super Cup and, while they eventually lost on penalties, they had come very close to lifting the trophy in normal time before conceding a late equaliser. Their overall display was still encouraging. In the league opener, Spartak again delivered, beating Moscow Rodina 3-0 thanks to goals from Jose Marquinhos, Christopher Martins and D. Prutsev. Confidence is high, and against familiar opponents Akhmat, Spartak are targeting a second straight league win.