The Russian Premier League (RPL) 2026/27 season is set to commence with notable shifts in team dynamics and expectations. While reigning champions Zenit remain the clear favourites to retain the title, competition is expected to intensify, particularly from Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Moscow.
Spartak, having undergone a difficult period under previous coaches, appears to have settled under Juan Carlos Carcedo’s leadership. After winning the Russian Cup last season and delivering a strong performance in the Super Cup against Zenit, the red-and-whites are seen as serious contenders for the league title. Analysts highlight that if Spartak succeeds in securing a high-calibre forward, the team could potentially reclaim championship honours for the first time in a decade.
Dynamo Moscow, reinvigorated by the return of coach Sandro Schwarz, is projected to maintain its attractive, attacking style of play that has won over fans. Although the team is unlikely to challenge for the league crown, it is expected to finish inside the top three and aims to claim silverware through the domestic cup competitions.
Meanwhile, FC Krasnodar faces a more uncertain season following the departures of key players such as captain and primary playmaker Spertsyan, and Viktor Sa. Despite these losses and the absence of Córdoba at the start of the season due to injury, Krasnodar’s rebuilding phase presents opportunities for new signings Christian, Vorobyov, and Utkin, as well as emerging midfielder Krivtsov, to assert themselves. Observers concede that Krasnodar could still mount a strong challenge but anticipate difficulties in sustaining consistency deep into the campaign.
Other clubs face varying prospects. Lokomotiv Moscow, though bolstered by the development of youthful talent under coach Mikhail Galaktionov, is expected to struggle replicating last season’s third-place finish. Similarly, CSKA Moscow has raised concerns among supporters after underwhelming pre-season preparations. A significant transfer campaign may be necessary for CSKA to reverse current doubts, but concrete reinforcements remain limited at this stage.
Newly promoted sides Rodina and Fakel are widely regarded as candidates for immediate relegation due to their comparatively modest squads, with survival in the top flight expected to be a significant challenge.
In the Russian Cup, Zenit remains the favourite to win, motivated by a desire to regain prestige following last season’s shortfalls. The depth of their squad offers coach Sergey Semak strategic flexibility across a congested schedule.
In the race for top scorer, Konstantin Tyukavin is tipped to lead the charts, benefiting from Dynamo’s aggressive, vertical attacking style under Schwarz. His fitness and injury avoidance will be crucial, especially as competition from other forwards like Sobolev and Augusto may affect goal tallies. By contrast, Córdoba’s advancing age and post-World Cup fatigue cast doubt on his prospects.
Overall, while Zenit stands out as the dominant force in the RPL, notable contenders such as Spartak and Dynamo, alongside a cautiously optimistic Krasnodar, are poised to shape an engaging 2026/27 season.