RPL 2025/26 predictions (detailed explanations below). MVP: Gerson.Top scorer: Daku.Top assistant: Bitello.1st dismissal: Sliskovic.Suprises: Talalaev's Baltika / Sobolev 10+ RPL goals.Disappointments: Spartak (/ Rubens)

Loko - Sochi.Loko entered the game with a bunch of chances, then it was kinda neutral before Sochi's defense suddenly collapsed in final 10 minutes. Orenburg - CSKA.CSKA need to work on solutions vs low blocks.Kislyak & Akinfeev good, Alves promising.Ovsyannikov secured 1 point.

Akron - Krylya was more chaotic.Akron didn't really seem to have a plan on how to break Krylya (apart from long balls to Dzyuba), while Krylya played straightforward as soon as they gained the ball.Akron need 1-2 winger.Krylya "better" than expected but rely on individual moments.

Akhmat - Rubin was similar to March game as identities haven't changed.Akhmat had control & shots but without luck/goals.stop putting Mansilla on the right.I liked Keliano. Rubin looked for counters which they converted cold-bloodedly, as they can drop back into reliable defense.

NN: some shakyness was to be expected but NN played pretty equally with Krasnodar for 1h before sabotaging themselves twice, Medvedev somehow not good with his feet despite Rostov stint. Krasnodar: not the best showing but took advantage of chances, wait for newcomers to adapt.

Spartak: not sure whether that's the rumored 352 or its about 352 base formation: Mangas went higher while Denisov formed a trio with CBs - Solari (still doesn't look convincing)/Khlusevich wide on right, target man Zabolotnyi as outlet vs physicality & pressing of Dinamo.

Rostov: Prokhin CDM/3rd CB role, 2 unfortunate goals, no danger in 2nd half until final seconds, Alba more pragmatic than Karpin but still pressed high vs Zenit in 1st half. Dinamo: looked depressing as main strength coordinated defense was gone, Magomedov ran out like a mad man.

Zenit: same problems as before, Gerson can situationally solve them with individual brilliance, Henrique looks strong but lacks smth in final action.Semak created his own problems which he then solved via subs.Latyshonok should play with his feet but no Gondou/Sobolev as outlet??.

Dynamo: "trust the process", looked to find free Bitello/Sergeev in centre, Sergeev 0 impact/Ngamaleu often lost ball, Makarov. Baltika: well prepared physically + know coach demands: early advantage, covered GK buildup man2man -> force long balls -> wide CBs "bullied" wingers.

I am curious about your opinion: .Obviously there is still lot of adaptation going on etc. but to me it felt like this 1st matchday was less "entertaining/enjoyable" than previous ones.Nevertheless, some additional thoughts below:

FNL prediction. Top scorer/most goals: Sekulic.Best assistant: Akbashev

Edit: Boselli replacement if Boselli leaves.

Sochi.(Igor Kudryashov to become new sports director). GK - Kokarev.FB competitors.CM - Ignatov?.(CF - if Guarirapa leaves).CB/winger upgrade?.

Torpedo. unclear situation - lot of players seem to ditch them. (another GK - wanted to part with Baburin + interest in Kokarev).CB upgrade - Agapov loan?.CM - Basic deal disrupted.FB competitors - Mario?.winger - Lamy? Soumah?.CF - Konate?, Hosseinzadeh?.

Baltika. LCB - Filin?.CDM - Mourid, Bistrovic?.

Akhmat. (GK?).CB - Zare, N'Dong.CDM - Shvets just recovered, rest lackluster vs ball).CF - physical, reliable scorer, Konate?, Ghandipour?.

NN. (Shpilevskiy said to play in 442).(GK - Sysuev?).LB (+ RB if Ektov is seen as too attacking for back4).(CDM - depending on Maiga's condition, Basic?).Winger - Ezhov.CF - finally a reliable scorer. in general, Andreev clients may arrive unless Shpilevskiy blocks them.

Dinamo. (Dinamo plan to sign 3 players).CF - Ghandipour.creative player - Folmer, Kenfack.(CB if they sell Paltsev).

Krylya. CF - Koksharov?, Sarveli?.LCB - Filin said to choose Baltika -> go back to Zhirov?, Kalinin?.CM/CAM - Maradishvili on trial, competition for Basic, Egorychev? Ignatov?.GK - Selikhov?, Dyupin?.winger - extend Zinkovskiy/Dmitriev loan.