Volgar Astrakhan — Chertanovo : Match Preview and Prediction for August 20,2025

Bookmakers’ Assessment of Volgar

Bookmakers are offering incredibly low odds on Volgar, positioning them as overwhelming favorites. However, I prefer to rely on concrete facts rather than just the numbers on the betting line. And the facts clearly indicate that the Astrakhan club is currently far from its peak performance. Their recent record of just one victory in their last seven official matches paints a more realistic picture.

Recent Setbacks and Defensive Gaps

Their recent form includes two consecutive setbacks: a 0-1 defeat to Veles, followed by a 1-1 home draw against Sibir. Notably, in the match against Novosibirsk, Volgar conceded first and only managed to equalize in the 86th minute through Dmitry Lesnikov. This performance is hardly indicative of a team expected to dominate its opponent.

Unconvincing Offense and Home Record

Volgar’s attacking prowess appears quite unconvincing. They’ve managed to score a mere four goals in their last five outings. Furthermore, their defense is far from impenetrable, having conceded in each of their last four matches. This poses significant challenges even against less formidable opponents, and a cup tie always presents its unique set of circumstances. Most crucially, the statistics reveal a striking trend: in 19 out of their last 20 home games, Volgar has failed to win by a margin greater than one goal.

Chertanovo’s Underdog Momentum

Despite their underdog status, the Moscow side approaches this fixture in respectable form. While their results might not always be consistent, their offensive line is certainly firing on all cylinders. Consider their recent performances: a crushing 4-0 victory over Cherepovets, and a confident 4-0 win against St. Petersburg’s Zvezda. These players clearly possess a knack for finding the net.

Prolific Scoring Prowess

In their last five encounters, Chertanovo has scored an impressive 12 goals. This is nearly three times the number Volgar managed over the same period. Such prolific scoring suggests that the Muscovites will definitely not be traveling to Astrakhan just to sit back and defend. They will actively seek opportunities upfront and are more than capable of causing considerable trouble for the hosts’ defense, which, as we’ve already established, is far from perfect.

Road Resilience and Defensive Solidity

A crucial factor for our prediction is Chertanovo’s performance away from home. This team is known for its resilience and ability to avoid heavy defeats. Statistical trends further support this: in 16 of their last 20 away matches, Chertanovo has not lost by more than a single goal. This constitutes a very strong argument that a crushing defeat is highly improbable in this fixture.