Match Preview: Baltika vs Akron

This pivotal 5th-round fixture in the FONBET 2025/26 will see Baltika host Akron at the Rostec Arena in Kaliningrad on October 1. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including our prediction, betting tips, current odds, and key statistics for the Baltika – Akron clash.

Baltika Team Insights

Baltika, from Kaliningrad, showed resilience in the previous round by overcoming CSKA (1:1, 10:9 on penalties). Despite this success, their record in the over normal time has been poor, with no wins in their last 5 matches (1 draw, 4 defeats). Earning two points, Andrey Talalaev’s squad maintains a slender hope of progressing to the playoffs, albeit exclusively through the Regions’ Path, as catching the “Army Men” is now out of reach. For Baltika to keep their playoff aspirations alive, securing a full 90-minute victory against Akron is imperative.

• No more than two goals were scored in 5 of the Kaliningraders’ previous 7 national Cup games.
• At home in this tournament, the club has not won in 5 of its last 6 matches (1 draw and 4 losses in regular time).
• In 8 of their previous 10 home encounters in the , Baltika scored no more than once.

Baltika’s Predicted Starting XI

Ivan Kukushkin – Amar Mohammad, Kirill Obonin, Diego Luna – Eldar Civic, Ayman Murid, Ivan Belikov, Yuri Kovalev – Stefan Kovac, Tenton Yenne, Chinonso Nnamdi.

Injury Update: Midfielder Andrey Mendel is currently sidelined due to injury.

Akron Team Insights

Akron’s recent schedule in the National Cup saw them face Lokomotiv twice in a row, resulting in losses in both fixtures (0:2, 1:3). Over their last 8 matches in this competition, the team has managed only two wins in regular time, alongside one draw and five defeats. Notably, Zaur Tedeev’s squad has only failed to score in two of these eight outings. Currently sitting in 3rd place in Group D, Akron needs just one point to secure at least a spot in the Regions’ Path playoffs.

• The team did not score more than one goal in 6 of its last 8 matches.
• Away from home in this tournament, the Tolyatti side has a 6-match uncompromising streak (3 wins, 3 losses).
• Akron has not conceded more than two goals in 9 of its previous 11 away games in the National Cup.

Akron’s Predicted Starting XI

Alexander Vasyutin – Denis Popenkov, Ilya Agapov, Konstantin Savichev, Tamerlan Kuzmenko – Khetag Khosonov, Maxim Kuzmin, Nikita Bazilevsky – Soltmurad Bakaev, Arseniy Dmitriev, Edgar Sevikyan.

Match Referee

Maxim Perezva (Russia)

Referee Statistics

• Matches Officiated: 5 (, 2023/24 – 2025/26);
• Yellow Cards Issued (incl. second yellows): 13;
• Average Yellow Cards per Match: 2.6;
• Red Cards Issued: 1;
• Average Fouls per Match: 24;
• Penalties Awarded: 20%.

Match Prediction and Analysis

Baltika still possesses a slim chance of advancing in the , and it’s highly probable they will fight tooth and nail for it. Following their first defeat in the current league campaign, head coach Andrey Talalaev is expected to have his squad thoroughly motivated. This season, Baltika’s home record has been strong, with their only defeat coming against CSKA (1 win, 3 draws). Furthermore, their defense has been formidable, conceding just two goals in their last five competitive fixtures.

Akron secured a victory against Baltika in their first-round encounter. While Akron performs adequately on their home turf, their away form is a significant concern. Zaur Tedeev’s men have failed to win in 8 of their last 9 away matches in both the RPL and (2 draws, 6 defeats in regular time). Compounding their struggles, Akron has scored no more than one goal in 7 of these away fixtures. This lack of attacking prowess suggests they will find it challenging to penetrate Baltika’s well-organized defense.

Our final prediction for this match is: Baltika to win or draw (1X) and Total Goals Under 3.5.

*The listed lineup for each team reflects their starting XI from their most recent match in this tournament.