Upcoming Match Overview

The 6th-round fixture in the PARI First League (FNL) between FC Chelyabinsk and FC Sokol Saratov is scheduled for August 23rd at the Central Stadium. This comprehensive preview offers a detailed forecast, current odds, and vital statistics for the Chelyabinsk vs Sokol showdown.

FC Chelyabinsk: Recent Performances and Statistics

Roman Pilipchuk’s side recently faced an away defeat, succumbing to Spartak Kostroma with a 1:2 scoreline. This marks their second loss in the ongoing championship, contrasted with three victories. Interestingly, Chelyabinsk managed to find the net in both of their losing efforts. The team has so far netted 7 goals, a tally only surpassed by Ural (8) and KAMAZ (9). However, their defense has allowed 6 goals, a metric worse than only three other competitors. FC Chelyabinsk currently holds the 5th position in the league standings.

Chelyabinsk’s Form Indicators

• Both teams scored in 5 of Chelyabinsk’s last 7 matches across both the First and Second Leagues.
• FC Chelyabinsk consistently scored either 1 or 2 goals in their previous 8 home encounters in these tournaments.
• On home turf, the club has remained undefeated in 6 of their last 7 official games, securing 5 wins and 1 draw.

Chelyabinsk Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)

Ilya Tuseev – Aleksandr Gapechkin, Aleksandr Zhirov, Khetag Kochiev, Yan Gudkov – Danila Emelyanov, Denis Samoylov, Konstantin Kertanov – Wilfried Eza, Matvey Urvantsev, Ramazan Gadzhimuradov.

FC Sokol Saratov: Team Analysis

Saratov’s team came close to clinching their first victory in the current championship, but conceded a late equalizer against Rotor (1:1) in the final moments. This draw marks their fourth in the FNL 2025/26 season, alongside just one defeat. Notably, Mladen Kaščelan’s squad accumulated the highest number of yellow cards in the last round, with 5 bookings. Sokol currently occupies the 15th spot in the league table. Despite their low position, they boast a strong defensive record, having conceded only 2 goals, a figure bettered only by the league leaders, Fakel (1 goal conceded).

Sokol’s Performance Trends

• A maximum of two goals were scored in Sokol Saratov’s last 6 First League matches.
• The club has failed to secure a win in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the FNL, recording 4 draws and 8 losses.
• Sokol has conceded goals in 6 of their last 8 away fixtures in this tournament.

Sokol Saratov Probable Starting XI (5-4-1)

Mikhail Levashov – Vladimir Kovacevic, Allon Butaev, Nikita Pechenkin, Ivan Churikov, Nikita Gloydman – Pavel Kireenko, Ruslan Daurov, Roman Ermolin, Vladislav Lazarev – Vladislav Shpitalny.

Referee Profile

Anton Anopa (Russia)

Referee’s Key Statistics (2024/25 – 2025/26 FNL)

Matches officiated: 15 (First League)

Yellow cards issued (including second yellows): 52

Average yellow cards per match: 3.5

Red cards issued: 2

Average fouls per match: 24

Penalties awarded: 6%

Chelyabinsk vs Sokol Saratov: Final Match Prediction

Chelyabinsk has played two home matches in the current championship campaign, securing victories in both with an identical 1:0 scoreline. Notably, one of their opponents was Rotor, a team recognized for its competitive spirit and intense midfield battles. Similar qualities are expected from Roman Pilipchuk’s upcoming adversary. Consequently, a goal-fest is not anticipated. Even in the Second League, Chelyabinsk’s home performances were not characterized by high scoring, as the team failed to net more than one goal in 10 of their last 13 home fixtures in that tournament. Nevertheless, they consistently collected points, doing so in 9 matches during that period.

Sokol Saratov is unlikely to adopt an offensive approach. The team faces considerable challenges in creating scoring opportunities, and even a single point away against a strong opponent would be considered a satisfactory outcome for Mladen Kaščelan’s charges. In the FNL 2025/26 season, Sokol has only managed to score in their home matches and currently ranks second-to-last in terms of overall goal-scoring chances created. The Volzhan will undoubtedly prioritize staunch defense, aiming to thwart Chelyabinsk’s attacking efforts – a strategy they have implemented with reasonable success this season.

Recommended Bet

My prediction: “Chelyabinsk to win or draw and Total Under 2.5 goals” with a coefficient of 1.75.