The Matchday 26 clash in the Russian Premier League between Spartak and CSKA will take place on April 26 at the Lukoil Arena in Moscow. Spartak vs. CSKA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Spartak
Dejan Stankovic's side triumphed over Akron in the last round, despite trailing by two goals during the match (3-2). This marked Spartak's tenth victory in their last 13 league matches (1 draw, 2 losses). Additionally, the team scored at least three goals for the tenth time this season in the RPL. In the standings, the club is in third place with 50 points, trailing leaders Krasnodar by five points. Notably, Spartak has scored 29 goals at home this season, second only to Dynamo Moscow (32).
- The club has won 6 of their last 8 home matches in the Premier League.
- The team has scored at least twice in 7 of their last 9 home league games.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Spartak's last 9 home matches in the RPL.
Predicted lineup for Spartak (4-3-3)
Ilya Pomazun – Oleg Ryabchuk, Christopher Martins, Ruslan Litvinov, Srdjan Babic – Roman Zobnin, Nail Umyarov, Ezequiel Barco – Levi Garcia, Marquinhos, Theo Bongonda.
Goalkeeper Alexander Maksimenko might miss the match due to injury. Forward Pablo Solari is suspended.
CSKA
In the last round, Marko Nikolic's side was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Krylya Sovetov. This ended CSKA's five-match winning streak in the league. Furthermore, the team failed to keep a clean sheet for the third time in their last eight Premier League matches. The club is in fourth place on the table with 48 points. It's worth noting that CSKA is the best away team in the league this season in terms of points gained (27).
- The team is unbeaten in their last nine away matches in the Premier League (7 wins, 2 draws).
- The club has scored exactly one or two goals in 9 of their last 10 away league games.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 6 of CSKA's last 9 away matches in the RPL.
Predicted lineup for CSKA (4-3-3)
Igor Akinfeev – Danil Krugovoy, Matvey Lukin, Willian Rocha, Kellven – Kristijan Bistrovic, Rifat Zhemaletdinov, Matvey Kislyak – Ivan Oblyakov, Tamerlan Musaev, Alerandro.
Referee
Kirill Levnikov (Russia)
Matches – 18 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 85;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 7;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 33%.
Spartak vs. CSKA: Match Prediction
In the current championship, Dejan Stankovic's team has often showcased strong defensive play, recording 14 clean sheets. However, recently Spartak has looked less confident in defense, making numerous errors. This was evident in their last two RPL matches, where the club conceded two goals each against Akron and Dynamo Makhachkala. Meanwhile, their attacking prowess remains strong, having scored in 12 of their last 13 Premier League games, and at least twice in ten of those matches.
CSKA is also expected to play aggressively upfront – Marko Nikolic's team consistently scores even away. In their last 11 away league matches, the team failed to breach the defense only against Zenit, and in six of these matches, they scored at least twice. Additionally, CSKA has scored in their last three head-to-head matches at Spartak's ground in the RPL.
Considering these factors, I anticipate an intense attacking display from both clubs. My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
