Football Season Guide

FC Orenburg begin their first-ever campaign in the top flight of Russian football and will be looking to show that they are not pushovers and are here to stay. The team surprised many by winning the First Division last season but they were the most efficient and determined side and deservedly claimed promotion. Orenburg are based on a defensive approach and look to maximise the chances that they get on the counter. The team has been often described as similar to Rostov in that regard and it is telling that both teams have had great success against the odds in the past year. Orenburg do not have any eye-catching players and instead coach Robert Evdokimov is focusing on the team spirit and is using players that are ready to sacrifice themselves for the greater cause. Artem Delkin was the star of the team last season as he bagged 16 goals as a lone striker during the campaign. But other key players include the vastly experienced centre-back Adessoye Oyewole, who provides leadership and presence and creative midfielder Roman Vorobjov. Evdomikov has already claimed that his side will not be playing just to stay up in the division and indeed Orenburg should not be taken lightly given the discipline and structure they have and the momentum generated over the last year. A few good signings have been made over the summer as talented CSKA winger Dmitri Efremov, striker Aleksandr Prudnikov and midfielder Yacouba Bamba joined the side. None of them is expected to go directly into the starting 11 early in the season but they have the quality to challenge the ones who won promotion last season. Overall, Orenburg face a real fight against the odds but look in decent shape to actually beat the drop and establish themselves as a force in the top-flight. They certainly have sound foundations in a disciplinarian and well-prepared coach and will be a tough nut to crack for many opponents this season.