Match Preview: Akhmat vs Rubin

The match of the 3rd round of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Akhmat and Rubin will take place on August 26 at Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Below is our comprehensive prediction, betting tips, odds analysis, and statistical insights for the Akhmat – Rubin encounter.

Akhmat Team Overview and Recent Form

The Grozny squad has experienced consecutive 1:2 defeats in their two previous Russian Cup fixtures, against Zenit and Orenburg, respectively. This extends their losing streak in this tournament to seven matches. Despite this, Akhmat has managed to score in five of these seven encounters. Currently, Stanislav Cherchesov’s team occupies the bottom spot in Group A, having conceded the most goals in the quartet – 4.

Key Statistics for Akhmat

• Both teams have found the net in five of Akhmat’s last national Cup games.
• At home, Akhmat has failed to secure a victory in five of their last seven Russian Cup fixtures (one draw, four losses).
• Akhmat has scored in six of their last eight home matches in this competition.

Akhmat Provisional Lineup (4-5-1)*

Vadim Ulyanov – Turpal-Ali Ibishev, Darko Todorovic, Rizvan Utsiev, Mehdi Zare – Usman Ndong, Amin Talal, Maksim Samorodov, Ismael Silva, Abakar Gadzhiev – Mohamed Konate.

Rubin Team Overview and Performance

Rubin has accumulated three points after two rounds of the competition. The Kazan team secured a home win against Orenburg but subsequently suffered a 0:3 away defeat to Zenit in their most recent match. Rashid Rakhimov’s side has achieved only one victory in their last five Russian Cup outings (one draw, three losses). Notably, Rubin failed to score in four of those matches. The club currently holds the 2nd position in Group A.

Key Statistics for Rubin

• The Kazan team has conceded no more than one goal in five of their last seven national Cup encounters.
• On the road, Rubin has lost ten of their last twelve matches in this tournament (with only two wins).
• Rubin has failed to score in seven of their previous nine away games in the Russian Cup.

Rubin Provisional Lineup (4-5-1)*

Artur Nigmatullin – Aleksey Gritsaenko, Konstantin Nizhegorodov, Dmitriy Kabutov, Egor Teslenko – Aleksandr Zotov, Aleksandar Jukic, Aleksandr Lomovitskiy, Bogdan Jochic, Marat Apshatsev – Enri Mukba.

Match Prediction Analysis: Akhmat vs Rubin

These two teams previously met in the first round of the current championship, with Rubin securing a 2:0 victory. Since that encounter, Akhmat has undergone a coaching change, and the team’s fortunes appear to be improving. Following Stanislav Cherchesov’s appointment, Akhmat has remained undefeated in three RPL matches (two wins, one draw), though they did suffer an away cup defeat. While their Russian Cup losing streak extends to seven games, five of these losses came against top-3 teams from the previous Premier League season. Furthermore, Akhmat has a strong home record against Rubin in the league, having avoided defeat in ten of their last thirteen personal encounters (four wins, six draws).

Rubin’s Challenging Away Form in the Cup

Rubin’s away performance in the national Cup has been particularly poor: the team has lost ten of their last twelve away matches, failing to score in eight of those encounters. Given such statistics, it will be challenging for them to achieve a favorable result against a resilient opponent like Akhmat.

Tactical Considerations and Expert Pick

Both team managers may opt for squad rotation. However, Akhmat could be bolstered by the return of two key players who were suspended in the previous RPL round. This factor could further tip the scales in favor of the home side. Additionally, it’s worth noting that fourteen out of fifteen head-to-head matches played at Akhmat’s home ground in the league have seen no more than three goals scored.

Expert’s Final Prediction

My prediction for this match is: “Akhmat to win or draw and Total Goals Under 3.5” with competitive odds.

Important Note

* The starting lineup provided for each team reflects their formation in their last match within this particular tournament.