Football Season Guide

Fakel Voronezh secured dream promotion to the Russian top-flight last season backed by a solid structure and impressive consistency as they were always in the top four from the early stages and held their nerve during the spring to secure an automatic promotion spot. They are a side built on solid foundations as some dependable defenders and a three-man backline make sure that they concede a few. Up front, Maksim Maksimov was the star of the show with 22 goals while experienced Khyzyr Appaev was a good partner. The system is unlikely to be too difference this season as coach Oleg Vlasenko, who has managed Anji and Ural at this level earlier in his season, will look to make this Fakel side a nightmare to face even for the top sides in the league. It is clear that the Blue and Whites from Voronezh are near the bottom of the pile in terms of talent but they have so far retained the core of their squad from last season and will feel confident and eager to take on the challenge that awaits them. They will be surely up there in terms of the relegation battle but have a decent chance to ensure that they are not in this division for just one season if they stick to their strengths and play without fear.