Spartak Moscow vs CSKA Prediction 18 March 2026
📣 The KHL regular season is nearing its end, but before the playoffs begin, we have the chance to enjoy some top-tier matchups. In one such game, Spartak Moscow face off against CSKA in a derby clash. Both teams still have the opportunity to improve their standings in the West, which adds significance to the upcoming encounter.
Head-to-Head
This season, the teams have already faced off in five matches, with CSKA holding the advantage with three victories. The "Army Men" started the regular season with two losses (5-6 SO; 2-3). The September encounter was the only game where the total exceeded 5.5 goals. Notably, none of the matches ended with a margin greater than two goals, highlighting the intensity of this rivalry between the two capital clubs. Looking at their overall head-to-head record, CSKA have a commanding lead with 40 wins compared to the "Red and Whites'" 19 victories. The teams last clashed in the playoffs five years ago, where the "Army Men" swept their opponents with a decisive 4-0 series win.
Head-to-head statistics Spartak Moscow - CSKA
Spartak Moscow Team Overview
Spartak have secured three wins and suffered two losses in their last five games. They struggled against top-table teams: first, they were outplayed by Kazan's Ak Bars (1-4), and then narrowly lost to Dynamo in a derby clash (3-4 OT). Against Dynamo, Spartak had several power-play opportunities but failed to capitalize on any, including in overtime. Alexei Zhamnov's squad averages 2.97 goals scored and 2.75 goals conceded per game on home ice. These stats are balanced but not particularly impressive. The Red-and-Whites will finish the regular season at home; they can't overtake CSKA but will compete with Dynamo for fifth place. On Wednesday, forwards Biro and Ruzicka are unlikely to take the ice.
Match Results: Spartak Moscow
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
CSKA are in solid form, boasting four wins in their last five games. Their recent 3-2 loss to Sibir was a disappointment for head coach Igor Nikitin. He emphasized that conceding two goals late in a period is unacceptable. On the road, CSKA average 2.09 goals per game, which aligns with their defensive style, while allowing just 2.27 goals. In the second periods, the Moscow side typically takes the initiative, consistently finding the net at least once in five consecutive games. It's worth noting that the team from the capital will not surpass Dinamo Minsk in the standings, but they risk losing home advantage in the playoffs to Dynamo Moscow. On Wednesday, CSKA will have to tackle their tournament objectives without Provornikov and Kostin.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
🏒 Projected Lineups
Spartak: Georgiev - Mironov, Kinn - Poryadin, Morozov, Gutik
CSKA: Gamzin - Nesterov, Ebert - Buchelnikov, Karnaukhov, Drozdov
🥅 Goalkeepers
Spartak's goaltending duo features Alexander Georgiev and Artem Zagidulin. Georgiev was given a rest in the last game, so he's expected to start in the derby. Over 23 games, Alexander boasts a solid goals-against average of 2.39.
Dmitry Gamzin has been a cornerstone for CSKA, appearing in 39 games since the start of the regular season and posting an impressive goals-against average of 1.48, along with 8 shutouts. Samonov is ready to step in whenever needed.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
We anticipate that following the disappointing clash with Sibir, the coaching staff led by Igor Nikitin will make adjustments to CSKA's game plan and revert to a defensive style of hockey. The "Army Men" rarely engage in high-scoring matches, prompting us to consider a bet on the total under 5.5 goals. This wager has come through in four consecutive head-to-head battles between Spartak and CSKA. Considering Ruzicka's absence and both teams' desire to improve their standings in the West as the regular season winds down, this bet appears to be a well-founded choice.No comments
Betting Tips: Spartak Moscow - CSKA Moscow
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