Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs CSKA Prediction 18 December 2025
🔊 Yaroslavl's Lokomotiv are set to host Moscow's CSKA on their home ice. Both clubs are in excellent form and have been consistently picking up points recently. The hosts are comfortably among the Western leaders, while the visitors are struggling to maintain their hold on the eighth spot in the conference. This upcoming clash holds personal significance for CSKA's head coach Igor Nikitin, who led Lokomotiv to a Gagarin Cup victory last season.
Head-to-Head
The rivals have already clashed twice this season, and both encounters were one-sided affairs. Lokomotiv triumphed on both occasions with a combined score of 9-2. The current hosts undeniably hold a dominant advantage. Forward Maxim Shalunov played a pivotal role in his team's success, contributing two goals and an assist. The forward remains in form and is ready to make his presence felt once again.
Head-to-head statistics Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - CSKA
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Team Overview
Bob Hartley's squad eased off a bit in November, but they regained their optimal form just before the Channel One Cup break. The hosts secured three victories in four matches, with their only loss during this stretch coming outside of regulation time. This timely improvement helped halt their slide in the standings. However, in terms of scoring, the team is starting to lag behind their rivals. Lokomotiv have netted 110 goals, a solid tally, but they've recently lost some of their scoring edge.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
The capital club finally managed to make progress in their results just before the Channel One Cup break. Currently, the visitors are unbeaten in regulation time for five consecutive matches, having won their last three games. This streak has propelled the team back into the top 8 of the Western Conference, but it's too early to talk about a full resurgence under Igor Nikitin. The team's issues are far from resolved. CSKA have scored only 96 goals, the lowest tally among the playoff contenders in the conference, which is far from encouraging.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
🏒 Projected Lineups
Lokomotiv: Isaev - Rafikov, Bereglazov - Radulov, Ivanov, Surin
CSKA: Samonov - Nesterov, Okhotyuk - Churkin, Karnaukhov, Drozdov
🥅 Goalkeepers
Lokomotiv's goalie Daniil Isaev continues to be one of the standout performers in his position across the league. The local talent boasts an average save percentage of 91.9% and has recorded two shutouts. He strives to avoid any significant dips in form.
CSKA's netminder Alexander Samonov has shown notable improvement recently, though his overall stats remain underwhelming. The former Salavat Yulaev player has an average save percentage of just 88.2% and initially struggled with errors upon joining his new club.
Editor's Prediction
The hosts are set to be the favorites in the upcoming clash, as evidenced by their current form and head-to-head results. However, the visitors are on an upswing and could put up a strong fight against their opponents. It's worth paying attention to the scoring factor here: Lokomotiv's last six home games have seen at least five goals scored each time. CSKA have been struggling offensively, but they've shown recent improvement in that area. Our bet is on total over 4.5 goals.No comments
Betting Tips: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - CSKA Moscow
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