Match Introduction

The 6th round fixture of the PARI First League (FNL) between Fakel and Neftekhimik is set to take place on August 24 at the Fakel stadium. This comprehensive preview offers a detailed forecast, betting odds, and key statistical insights for the upcoming encounter.

Fakel’s Resilient Campaign

Defensive Mastery and Unbroken Streak

Igor Shalimov’s side secured their fourth 1-0 victory of the current championship in the last round, triumphing over Chernomorets. This extends their impressive winning streak in the First League to 9 consecutive matches. Remarkably, over this period, the Voronezh team has conceded just two goals. In the FNL 2025/26 season, Fakel has already recorded four clean sheets, marking the best defensive record across the entire league. Consequently, Fakel holds the top spot in the standings, enjoying a comfortable three-point lead over their closest competitor.

• Fakel’s previous 9 league matches have seen no more than one goal scored in 7 of them.
• A 1-0 scoreline has been the outcome in the team’s last five home matches in the FNL.
• On their home turf, Fakel has consistently scored the first goal in their last 6 fixtures in this tournament.

Fakel’s Expected Starting XI (3-4-3)

Daniil Frolkin – Igor Yurganov, Stanislav Magkeev, Ilya Gaponov – Abdula Bagamaev, Butta Magomedov, Kirill Simonov, Ravil Netfullin – Georgy Gongadze, Ilnur Alshin, Belaydi Poussi.

Neftekhimik’s Form and Challenges

Derby Defeat and Disciplinary Record

The local derby against KAMAZ proved to be an unfortunate outing for Neftekhimik. A 1-3 loss to the Chelnintsy team brought an end to their 5-match unbeaten streak in the FNL (comprising 2 wins and 3 draws). Furthermore, this was the first time in their last 11 championship matches that Neftekhimik conceded more than two goals. In the league table, Kirill Novikov’s squad has slipped to 10th place. However, it is noteworthy that the club maintains the best disciplinary record in the league, accumulating a mere 4 yellow cards so far.

• Neftekhimik has not managed to score more than one goal in 9 of their last 11 FNL matches.
• The team has failed to win in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the First League (recording 2 draws and 4 losses).
• In 7 of their last 9 away games in this tournament, Neftekhimik conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.

Neftekhimik’s Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)

Andrey Golubev – Nikolai Tolstopyatov, Marat Sitdikov, Eduard Valiakhmetov, Maxim Shiryaev – Giorgi Kantaria, Danila Sukhomlinov, Andrey Nikitin – Rashid Magomedov, Kirill Moiseev, Konstantin Shiltsov.

Match Official Spotlight

Referee Igor Kaplenkov’s Statistics

Igor Kaplenkov (Russia)

Matches officiated – 18 (First and Second Leagues, 2024/25 – 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 25;

Penalties awarded – 11%.

Fakel vs Neftekhimik: Detailed Prediction

Fakel’s Edge in Efficiency

Fakel will be hosting an opponent against whom they are well-positioned to replicate their favored 1-0 victory. Neftekhimik is not renowned for its attacking prowess, yet their defensive organization is generally sound. In the current championship, only five clubs have scored fewer goals than Neftekhimik, and by expected goals (xG), Kirill Novikov’s squad ranks third from the bottom. Nevertheless, the team has achieved three clean sheets in the FNL 2025/26 season, and away from home, Neftekhimik has conceded no more than one goal in their last 5 matches in this tournament.

Clinical Finishes Expected

For Fakel, a single goal is typically all it takes to secure a favorable result. The sole exception this season was their match against KAMAZ, but the Chelnintsy team has been performing exceptionally well relative to their resources, forcing Fakel to score more. Interestingly, it was also against this same opponent that Igor Shalimov’s team conceded their only goal in the FNL 2025/26 season.

Recommended Betting Tip

While Neftekhimik is expected to maintain a robust defensive strategy, Fakel has consistently demonstrated the ability to maximize their often-limited scoring opportunities. My final prediction is: “Fakel to Win and Under 2.5 Goals” with compelling odds of 2.75