Former Spartak Moscow forward and Russian national team striker Alexander Mostovoy shared his outlook on the 18th round of the Russian Premier League, where Spartak is set to host Krylya Sovetov Samara. In a discussion with Socialbites, he laid out his belief that Spartak will not drop points in this encounter and, more ambitiously, should aim for a victory at home. The veteran striker emphasized that the home advantage often translates into steadier performance, even when the road proves tougher. He noted that while errors can creep in during away games, the team tends to sort things out when playing on its own pitch, making a win seem likely for Spartak at the home stadium. (Source: Socialbites.ca)
Mostovoy added a respectful nod to Krylia Sovetov, praising the level of play the team has shown this season. He acknowledged that Wings is performing admirably, deserving recognition for their efforts. Yet, his assessment remained confident in Spartak’s ability to edge ahead of the visitors and secure a top-four finish by the end of the round. In his view, Krylia Sovetov, while formidable, is unlikely to challenge the upper echelon of the table in the long run. (Source: Socialbites.ca)
The 18th round schedule confirms the clash will take place on Saturday, and the kickoff is set for 14:00 Moscow time. The match will be overseen by referee Pavel Kukuyan. Spartak will be without head coach Guillermo Abascal, who is suspended for the game. This development adds another layer of challenge for the hosts, who must adapt quickly to the absence of their boss on the touchline. (Source: Socialbites.ca)
Heading into this round, Spartak sits in seventh place in the league table with 27 points, while Krylya Sovetov lines up in fourth position with 29 points. The result could have a meaningful impact on both clubs’ trajectories as the season progresses, with Spartak aiming to close the gap to the top three and Wings seeking to consolidate their strong standing and reinforce their European qualification push. (Source: Socialbites.ca)
Earlier commentary from another analyst suggested that frost or cold conditions should not influence the match in a material way. Such assurances help set expectations for players and supporters alike, focusing attention on tactical battles, team morale, and execution on match day rather than weather-related concerns. As both sides prepare to take the field, fans will be looking for a contest that blends disciplined defense with opportunistic attacking moments, a balance that often decides tightly contested fixtures in this league. (Source: Socialbites.ca)