Dynamo M – Rostov

Dynamo will not be able to keep a clean sheet

Dynamo approach the season in a very difficult situation. The club had a strong squad, but over the summer it lost three central defenders at once. The departure of Ordets was predictable. The Ukrainian did not play in 2022. As for Evgeniev and Balbuena, it was an unpleasant situation. The Paraguayan assured that he would stay. As a result, the club did not renew Evgeniev's contract. Then, the international changed his mind and suspended the contract. As a result, Dynamo currently have no experienced player in the zone at all. Even veteran Pliev, who was not included in the squad, was let go. There are questions regarding the midfield as well. Two key internationals, Szymanski and Moro, remain at the club, but it is very likely they will change jobs in the summer. Rumours abound. It is far from certain that both will play against Rostov. Only the attacking line is relatively unclouded. The Russian outfit is strong here: Tyukavin, Smolov, Zakharyan, Grulev, Lesovoy. It is because of their attacking line-up that the Muscovites are called Zenit's main rivals. Dynamo's pros and cons were clearly visible in their encounter with Lokomotiv. The opponents scored six goals between them. Rostov also enters the season significantly weaker than it was last year. Valeriy Karpin has officially not a single foreign legionnaire left. All the talented Europeans have left. Rostov pulled off a high-profile transfer in the summer. Daniil Utkin, a midfielder, was made available to the Rostov team. Mykola Komlichenko was brought in as an attacking midfielder. He was just taken from Dinamo. Last season the striker spent in Rostov on loan. Karpin definitely will not build the game from total defense. The southerners have already shown the outlines in a friendly against Krasnodar. Rostov tried to act first choice, although in the end they lost to a more skilled opponent. The bookmakers give odds on Dynamo below 2.00. There are questions about that, given the state of Dynamo's defence. At the same time, it is more profitable to bet on the number of goals. The match in the capital is almost the main contender for the big total. Dinamo have a bright attack, which has something to prove this season. The same Zakharyan must answer the criticism. At the same time, in defence there will be combinations which have not been tweaked at all by the new coach Jokanovic. The Serbian was clearly relying on Balbuena's experience. Rostov can sometimes close under Karpin, but at present the level of defense is not the one to expect perfect play. We're looking at a high-scoring encounter, with both teams having chances.