Russian Premier League Relegation Battle: Dynamo Makhachkala Hosts FC Nizhny Novgorod in Crucial Clash
On December 7, Dynamo Makhachkala will host FC Nizhny Novgorod at Anzhi Arena in a pivotal Russian Premier League encounter. Both teams are currently struggling in the lower half of the standings, desperately needing points to escape the relegation zone. The outcome of this match will significantly impact their survival hopes.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Russian Premier League fixture is a crucial showdown between Dynamo Makhachkala and FC Nizhny Novgorod. After 17 matches, Dynamo Makhachkala sits in 13th place with 15 points, while FC Nizhny Novgorod is 15th with 11 points, placing both teams firmly in a relegation battle. Despite playing at home, Dynamo Makhachkala has struggled recently, losing 3 of their last 6 home matches. FC Nizhny Novgorod's away form is even worse, with an 88% loss rate in away Premier League games this season. This match holds immense significance for both sides; a win could provide a vital boost away from the relegation threat, while a loss could see them sink deeper.
Recent Form
Dynamo Makhachkala's recent form in their last five official matches is 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 home draw against PFC Sochi on December 1. Prior to that, they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Dinamo Moscow on November 23 and a 0-1 home loss to CSKA Moscow on November 8. Their sole victory in this run was a 2-0 win against Krylya Sovetov on November 1, and they also drew 0-0 with PFC Sochi on September 28. FC Nizhny Novgorod, meanwhile, has recorded 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five matches. They secured a 2-1 away victory against Akron Tolyatti on November 29, following a 0-2 home loss to Zenit St. Petersburg on November 23. They managed a 0-0 draw on October 26 (likely against Rubin Kazan or Baltika). Notably, they defeated Dynamo Makhachkala 2-0 in the Premier League on August 18. An earlier result includes a 2-3 home loss to Lokomotiv Moscow on August 2.
Key Players & Injury News
For Dynamo Makhachkala, key players include striker Gamid Agalarov, who was their top scorer in the 2024-25 season. This season, Mohammadjavad Hosseinnejad has contributed 2 goals, and Jemal Tabidze has scored 1. In terms of injuries, Nikita Glushkov is sidelined with a head injury until late November, while Jan Đapo and Aleksandr Sandrachuk are expected to be out until mid-December or longer due to cruciate ligament injuries. FC Nizhny Novgorod's key players feature Juan Manuel Boselli, who has scored 6 goals this season, and left-winger Olakunle Olusegun, with 2 goals and 2 assists. Daniil Lesovoy and Thiago Vecino have also each scored a goal. Injury concerns for FC Nizhny Novgorod include Aleksandr Ektov, who is out until mid-January 2026 after knee surgery. Olakunle Olusegun experienced knee discomfort after national team duty in late November, and his availability will be monitored. Additionally, Andrey Ivlev is suspended due to disciplinary points or yellow card accumulation.