Chernomorets vs Rodina Moskva

Rodina Moscow travel to Novorossiysk on Saturday with everything to play for — sitting second in the FNL table, they have a genuine shot at promotion to the RPL. Chernomorets Novorossiysk, meanwhile, are staring at relegation from 16th place after losing their last three matches, including a 4-0 thrashing by Neftekhimik. The visitors have been superb on the road, winning nine of ten away matches and netting at least twice in seven of their last nine trips. Winger Soltmurad Bakaev, who rejoined the club in the January window, gives them a dangerous creative edge. The one headache for Rodina is the absence of defender Artem Meshchaninov, suspended after a red card in the previous round. Chernomorets are also without midfielder Kirill Morozov, who serves a yellow card ban. The hosts do have a modest consolation in their home scoring record — finding the net in nine of their last twelve games at the Central Stadium. But Rodina's promotion ambitions and relentless away form make them clear favourites on the Black Sea coast. Our prediction: 1-2