Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 20 October 2026

Under Dmitry Kvartalnov, Lokomotiv have become noticeably more prolific in attack, but their trademark defensive solidity has faded. With 24 points, the Yaroslavl side sit second in the Western Conference, boasting a goal difference of 46:31. October’s fixtures, in particular, have raised plenty of questions. In Cherepovets, the Railwaymen conceded five goals, and then nearly squandered a comfortable lead against Sochi. Injury concerns are mounting as well: Berezkin and Romantsev remain sidelined, while Yegor Surin’s availability is still uncertain. The young forward has found the net just once since September 15 and was left out of the squad entirely for the last game.

The clash with Sochi started almost perfectly for Lokomotiv. By the 22nd minute, the visitors were up 4-0, but within ten minutes allowed the hosts to cut the deficit to just one. Lokomotiv were outshot 6-17 in the second period and conceded twice while shorthanded. Alexander Yelesin’s goal with 32 seconds left before the intermission proved crucial, and late on Alexander Radulov sealed it with an empty-netter for a 6-3 victory. It was an impressive attacking display, but Kvartalnov is unlikely to be satisfied with how his team handled the middle stages of the game-especially with a matchup against Neftekhimik looming, a side equally adept at capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.

Neftekhimik currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings with 20 points and a goal differential of 51:44. October has proven to be a challenging month for them, with four defeats in six games. Still, before their clash with CSKA, even in losses, the Nizhnekamsk side managed to keep the scoreline tight. They fell 0-1 to Avangard and 3-4 to Salavat Yulaev, but edged out Traktor in overtime (3-2). Igor Grishin’s squad are particularly dangerous in the final twenty minutes: six of their 14 October goals have come in the third period. However, the Wolves’ defensive play remains far from perfect.

In Moscow against CSKA, Neftekhimik quickly found themselves chasing the game. Maksim Mamin opened the scoring inside the first minute, but German Tochilkin soon leveled things up by capitalizing on a rebound. After that, the Red Army team took control once again. Neftekhimik created chances and even had two opponent goals overturned after video reviews, but couldn’t turn the tide. Filipp Dolganov made several key saves on initial shots, yet the defense often failed to clear the rebounds. In the end, they suffered a 1-4 defeat. The Wolves showed their fighting spirit once more, but it wasn’t enough against a side that kept relentless pressure on their net.