Preview of the RPL Round 18 Clash: Spartak Moscow vs Krylya Sovetov Samara
Former Moscow player and longtime coach Valery Gladilin weighed in on the upcoming Russian Premier League fixture. The red-and-whites of Spartak are favored to take all three points when they host Krylya Sovetov Samara, according to Gladilin, who spoke with socialbites.ca.
Gladilin highlighted the impact of weather on the match. He recalled the Kaliningrad game, where Spartak demonstrated strong commitment, focus, and a proactive approach despite challenging conditions. That performance, he argued, should set the tone again, as the team has little room for compromise and cannot afford a slip like the one against Wings of the Soviets. In Gladilin’s view, a misstep would be costly and could unleash significant pressure on the squad.
The analyst believes Spartak holds the edge heading into the Saturday kickoff, with Krylya Sovetov already addressing many practical concerns. The visitors have secured steady results and sit comfortably within the upper third of the table, endorsing a mindset of playing freely and with confidence. Still, the home side faces a scenario where a loss or draw would be interpreted as a serious setback, potentially sparking a broader debate about the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.
The match between Spartak and Krylya Sovetov is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, with a kickoff at 14:00 Moscow time. The officials assigned to observe the match include Pavel Kukuyan. Spartak’s head coach Guillermo Abascal is unavailable for this game due to a disciplinary sanction.
There is a sense among observers that the squad could capitalize on the absence of the coach to push for a higher level of performance. A veteran voice within Spartak suggested that the team might even perform more cohesively without the current leadership on the bench, signaling ongoing discussions about strategic direction and on-field leadership. The expectation from fans and pundits remains clear: Spartak should seize the opportunity to assert control and demonstrate the breadth of their squad depth as they chase vital points in the backstretch of the campaign.