Torpedo Moskva vs Nizhny Novgorod

This is a genuine promotion six-pointer in Russia's First League. Pari NN, relegated from the Premier League last season and now playing under new ownership, currently sit top of the table, while Torpedo Moscow are fourth and firmly in the promotion picture. A big result here would carry real weight for either side's top-two ambitions. Torpedo have built their campaign on defensive solidity, conceding just six goals in nine league games, and arrive on the back of a 4-1 win over Tekstilshchik, with Aleksey Kashtanov their five-goal top scorer. Pari NN, under coach Vadim Garanin, boast the league's most potent attack with 27 goals scored, though they've looked shakier defensively; forward Vladislav Sarveli has chipped in recently, including an early strike in round eight. History favors the visitors, who have won five of the last seven meetings between these two. Torpedo did take the most recent encounter, though — a February friendly, 4-2. Our prediction: 1-1