CSKA vs Spartak Moscow Prediction 11 January 2026
🔊 What drama awaits in one of the most thrilling matchups of the Kontinental Hockey League? This upcoming Sunday evening, the "CSKA Arena" will host a head-to-head clash between the local "Army Men" and the "Gladiators." Both clubs have been underperforming throughout the current regular season. At this stage, securing a playoff spot is the primary goal for both CSKA and Spartak. Thanks to the home-ice advantage, bookmakers give a slight edge to Igor Nikitin's squad.
Head-to-Head
📊 In the current regular season, CSKA Moscow have consistently picked up points in their home clashes against Spartak (5-6 SO, 2-1). Overall, in their last eight away games against CSKA, the "Gladiators" have managed just one victory in regulation time, which came during the 2024/25 KHL campaign (2-1).
Head-to-head statistics CSKA - Spartak Moscow

CSKA Moscow Team Overview
🔵 Last season's disappointing campaign under Ilya Vorobyov forced CSKA's management to make drastic changes, resulting in the coach's dismissal. Igor Nikitin, who previously clinched the Gagarin Cup with Lokomotiv, has returned to the "Army Men." However, the Moscow club is still adjusting to a new tactical approach, as reflected by their current 5th place standing in the Western Conference. Last Friday, CSKA secured a hard-fought victory against the Shanghai Dragons (3-2), showcasing their resilience. Prokhor Poltapov, who scored twice, emerged as the match hero. After the game, Igor Nikitin commented: "Credit must be given to our opponents; they set a high standard. We had to work hard for our chances. I'm grateful to the guys for turning the game around."
Match Results: CSKA Moscow

Spartak Moscow Team Overview
🔴 Spartak's latest outing proved successful with a 2-1 victory over Severstal. Nathan Todd was the standout performer for the "Gladiators". Currently, the Moscow club sits at 8th place in the Western Conference standings. Notably, Spartak have managed to earn points in 5 of their last 6 games, securing their spot within the top 8. Alexei Zhamnov's team is known for its impressive scoring ability this regular season, averaging 3.1 goals per game, which ranks them second in the conference. It's important to note that matches involving Spartak have an average of 6.1 goals per game, the highest among Western Conference teams.
Match Results: Spartak Moscow
🏒 Projected Lineups
CSKA: Gamzin - Okhotyuk, Nesterov - Drozdov, Karnaukhov, Kalinin
Spartak Moscow: Zagidulin - Mironov, Kin - Korostelyov, Morozov, Ruzicka
🥅 Goalies
Dmitry Gamzin, a product of the Moscow "Army Men" system, is gradually becoming a crucial part of the main team. This season, the 22-year-old goaltender has appeared in 26 games, boasting a save percentage of 93.27% and a goals-against average of 1.71. He also has recorded three shutouts.
In a recent matchup against Severstal (2-1), Artem Zagidulin emerged as one of his team's standout performers, stopping 97.10% of shots faced. His average stats in the current regular season include an 89.14% save percentage, a GAA of 3.44, and two shutouts.
Editorial Prediction
It's crucial to note that CSKA are among the most efficient teams when it comes to home games. Additionally, Spartak traditionally struggle in away matches against the "Army Men," having secured just one victory in regulation time over their last eight encounters. Lastly, the Gladiators' weak defense might be the decisive factor in determining the winner at the CSKA Arena. The key bet is on a CSKA victory in the end.