The Matchday 3 clash in the Russian Cup 2025/26 between Akhmat and Rubin will take place on August 26 at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Akhmat vs. Rubin: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Akhmat
The Grozny side suffered defeats in their last two Russian Cup matches, both with a 1-2 scoreline, against Zenit and Orenburg. This extends the club's losing streak in this tournament to seven matches. However, Akhmat managed to score in five of these encounters. Under Stanislav Cherchesov, they are at the bottom of Group A, having conceded the most goals in the group—four in total.
- Both teams scored in Akhmat's last five Russian Cup games.
- The team has not won in five of their last seven Russian Cup home matches (1 draw, 4 losses).
- Akhmat has scored in six of their last eight home games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Vadim Ulyanov – Turpal-Ali Ibishev, Darko Todorovic, Rizvan Utsiev, Mehdi Zare – Usman Ndong, Amin Talal, Maxim Samorodov, Ismael Silva, Abakar Gadzhiev – Mohamed Konate.
Rubin
Rubin has three points after two rounds. The team won their home game against Orenburg but lost 0-3 away to Zenit in their last match. Rashid Rakhimov's side has only one victory in their last five Russian Cup matches (1 draw, 3 losses). Moreover, Rubin failed to score in four of these encounters. They currently sit second in Group A.
- Rubin has not conceded more than one goal in five of their last seven Russian Cup matches.
- The team has lost 10 of their last 12 away matches in this tournament (2 wins).
- In seven of their last nine away games in the Russian Cup, Rubin failed to score.
Predicted lineup for Rubin (4-5-1)
Artur Nigmatullin – Alexey Gritsaenko, Konstantin Nizhegorodov, Dmitry Kabutov, Egor Teslenko – Alexander Zotov, Aleksandar Yukic, Alexander Lomovitsky, Bogdan Yochich, Marat Apshacev – Enri Mukba.
Referee
Evgeny Kukulyak (Russia)
Matches – 6 (Russian Cup, 2023/24 - 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Akhmat vs. Rubin
The teams met in the first round of the current championship, where Rubin secured a 2-0 victory. Since then, Akhmat has changed their head coach, and their form has improved. Under Stanislav Cherchesov, Akhmat has remained unbeaten in three RPL matches (2 wins, 1 draw) and lost in an away cup match. In the Russian Cup, they have a streak of seven losses, but five of these were against top-three Premier League teams from last season. Akhmat has not lost at home to Rubin in 10 of their last 13 league encounters (4 wins, 6 draws).
Rubin has struggled in away matches in the Russian Cup, losing 10 of their last 12 games and failing to score in eight of those. Such statistics make it difficult to expect a positive result against a challenging opponent.
Coaches might rotate their squads, but Akhmat could field two key players who were sent off in the last RPL round. This factor also favors the hosts. Additionally, in 14 of the last 15 meetings at Akhmat's home ground in the league, no more than three goals were scored.
My prediction: Akhmat will not lose and total under 3.5 goals
