CSKA vs Baltika Prediction 28 September 2025
🔊 Can Baltika extend their unbeaten run in the Russian Premier League? The team has been a revelation at the start of the season, setting records for newcomers. They rely on grit and physicality, proving that football can be played this way too. CSKA, on the other hand, adopt a completely different style. This could pose a challenge in the upcoming clash, particularly for the newcomers. In such a scenario, rushing to predict a home win might not be wise. Moreover, Andrey Talalaev recently surprised the "Army Men" in the Russian Cup, securing his first victory in the tournament. The match will take place in Moscow, at the VEB Arena.
Head-to-Head
📊 In the last eight head-to-head encounters, there hasn't been a single draw. CSKA have celebrated victory six times, while Baltika have only managed to win twice. In the Russian Cup, draws are not an option, so last week Baltika emerged victorious, albeit after a penalty shootout. They conceded just before halftime but equalized in injury time thanks to efforts from 19-year-old debutant Kirill Stepanov. This was their second meeting in the Russian Cup, with the first ending in a 2-0 win for CSKA.
Head-to-head matches are typically low-scoring affairs. In 7 of the last 8 meetings, no more than two goals were scored. Baltika have adopted this style this season, with a maximum of two goals in each of their last nine matches. There are no clear signs that either team will increase their scoring in the upcoming clash. Therefore, we suggest betting on under 2.5 total goals.
Head-to-head statistics CSKA - Baltika
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
The international break proved beneficial for some, but not for others. CSKA fall into the latter category. Right after the break, they suffered a defeat to Rostov (0-1), despite being on the verge of a record unbeaten streak. Two red cards left them unable to recover against an in-form opponent. A loss to Baltika in the Russian Cup only confirmed their emerging slump.
The match against bottom-placed Sochi in the last round came at just the right time. However, with Sochi desperate for points, the away fixture was far from straightforward. This was evident in the first half, which went in favor of the "Leopards." But after the break, the "Army Men" stepped up their game, and two penalties converted by Ivan Oblyakov turned the match around. In injury time, the visitors sealed the win (3-1). The victory lifted CSKA to second place in the standings, narrowing the gap with Krasnodar to a minimum.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
Baltika Kaliningrad Team Overview
Baltika continue their unbeaten run in the Russian Premier League, with five draws and four defeats. They've managed to take points from giants like Spartak (3-0) and Zenit (0-0). In the latter match, the Mariners allowed almost no chances near their goal and came close to victory. Baltika's game is built on pressing and relies on excellent physical conditioning. This remains a strength even at the end of September, although the matches increasingly resemble battles, as noted by all their opponents.
Last weekend, Baltika couldn't overcome Rostov. The opposition matched them in duels and had opportunities to win. Andrey Talalaev's side, on the other hand, rarely threatened the opposing goal. Both teams are likely disappointed with the goalless draw (0-0), though the result seems fair. This marks Baltika's second consecutive goalless draw. The team has kept clean sheets in four straight league matches, leading in defensive reliability with only five goals conceded.
Match Results: Baltika Kaliningrad
Latest news
CSKA Moscow
🎙 CSKA's head coach Fabio Celestini admitted that the match against Sochi was tough: "In the first half, we lacked control; our control was terrible despite having three chances. Ivan Oblyakov's three opportunities were akin to penalties. In the second half, we dominated but did so without energy, without ideas, and nothing worked for us. Of course, the two awarded penalties led us to secure a crucial three points, allowing us to remain second."
❌ Fabio Celestini cannot count on Kirill Glebov, who sustained an injury while with the Russian national team. His absence is a significant blow for CSKA this season. However, he is expected to return to action soon.
Baltika Kaliningrad
🎙 Andrey Talalaev isn't satisfied with the result against Rostov: "I don't know... I can't recall any chances for Rostov. We hit the crossbar and had two clear-cut opportunities that should have been goals. I believe the guys did a great job, giving their all. However, we played completely wrong in the second half. I expected a bit more quality from the substitutes."
❌ In the upcoming match, Andrey Mendel will not play, a significant loss according to Talalaev. Nathan Gassama and Ivan Belikov remain on the injury list as well.
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
The main referee for this match is Sergei Ivanov. This season, he has officiated four matches in the Russian Premier League, averaging 3.5 yellow cards per game. He also calls nearly 33 fouls on average, has shown one red card, and awarded two penalties.
This season, Baltika receive yellow cards more frequently (2.9 compared to 2.3). In two cup matches this season, they surpassed CSKA in this metric, earning at least three bookings. Considering CSKA's pacey players, the visitors are likely to maintain their stats. Therefore, a bet on Baltika's total yellow cards over 2.5 seems reasonable.
⚽️ Goal Prediction
CSKA have only one clean sheet in the Russian Premier League, which came in the opening round. They have conceded in 11 of their last 12 matches. On the other hand, Baltika have scored in 7 of their last 8 away games. The Kaliningrad side are capable of surprising, especially against favorites. Thus, it’s worth considering the option that the visitors will score.
🚩 Corner Prediction
CSKA take more corners this season (4.2 compared to 3.2). However, in their last eight RPL matches, they have not exceeded five corners. Meanwhile, Baltika's opponents have an average similar to CSKA's for these set-pieces. Therefore, a bet on the home team's total corners under 5.5 is likely to play out.
Editorial Prediction
Baltika remain unbeaten in the league, while CSKA have only fallen to Rostov in their first match after the international break. It's clear how the visitors will approach this game. They managed to put up a fight in the Russian Cup even without key players. We doubt the Kaliningrad side will secure a win, but they might just snatch points from another Moscow team. Therefore, we're suggesting a potential scoreline of 1-1.
Baltika have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the RPL, yet they also score the least among the top eight teams, indicating that their matches tend to be low-scoring affairs. For instance, no more than two goals have been scored in each of their last nine matches. CSKA's attack has been less sharp recently, with finishing also becoming an issue. Thus, our key bet is on total goals under 2.5.
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Betting Tips: CSKA Moscow - Baltika Kaliningrad
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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