Spartak to beat Dinamo in Moscow derby
On Tuesday evening, reigning Russian champions Spartak Moscow kick off the defence of their title by visiting city rivals Dinamo Moscow at the Arena Khimki. The clash is the oldest city derby in the history of Russian football.
Spartak were crowned Premier League champions for the tenth time in their history last season and they will be hopeful of retaining their crown this season.
The visitors finished last season in formidable form by recording eight wins in their last ten league games. However, the Russian champions did suffer a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal Tula on the last day of the campaign, so there is hope for the home side.
Massimo Carrera’s side have claimed victories in their last six meetings with their city rivals in all competitions. In fact, Dinamo have won just one of their last ten meetings with Spartak in all competitions. Spartak will be highly confident of making it seven wins out of seven in this clash.
However, Spartak’s away form will give Yuri Kalitvintsev's side a chance, as the visitors have won just three of their last eight away games in the Russian top-flight.
Dinamo won promotion from the Russian second tier last season as champions after a disastrous campaign in the Premier League the season before last. In fact, Dinamo suffered eight defeats in their last nine games in the Russian top-flight.
However, last season’s campaign was a very positive one, as they suffered just one defeat in their last 13 games in the Russian second tier. Dinamo do not have a great home record against Spartak in the Premier League era, as they have won just three of the last 24 meetings on home soil against their more illustrious rivals.
Unsurprisingly, Forebet predicts that Spartak will kick-off their defence of the Russian title with a victory over their newly promoted city rivals.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
