Match Overview

The 15th-round match of the PARI First League () between Chernomorets and Neftekhimik is scheduled for October 20th at the Tsentralny Stadium in Novorossiysk. This detailed preview covers the teams’ form, key statistics, and betting insights for the Chernomorets vs Neftekhimik encounter.

Chernomorets’ Recent Form

Chernomorets suffered a 0-2 away defeat against Rotor in their last fixture. This marked only the second loss for Vadim Evseev’s side in their last seven matches, alongside four wins and one draw. The club has now failed to score in five matches this season. Defensively, Chernomorets have been vulnerable, conceding in 14 of their previous 15 tournament games. With 19 goals conceded this season, only three other teams have a worse defensive record. Chernomorets currently sit in 12th place in the league table, four points clear of the relegation zone.

• The team has scored no more than one goal in 9 of their last 12 matches.
• At home, Chernomorets have avoided defeat in 12 of their last 15 league encounters (8 wins, 4 draws).
• In 6 of their last 7 home matches in this competition, Chernomorets conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.

Chernomorets’ Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)

Mikhail Shtepa – Oleg Nikolaev, Stanislav Puzanov, Zaurbek Pliev, Ilya Kirsh – Zaur Tarba, Anton Antonov, Kirill Morozov – Ilya Zhigulev, Said Aliyev, Ilya Rodionov.

Neftekhimik’s Current Performance

Neftekhimik unexpectedly suffered a 2-3 home defeat against Chaika in their last round, ending their 5-match unbeaten streak in the league (3 wins, 2 draws). It’s worth noting that this was only the third time in the 2025/26 season that Neftekhimik scored more than one goal. However, Kirill Novikov’s team has found the net in 7 of their previous 8 First League matches. The club currently occupies the 9th position in the overall standings.

• Neftekhimik has conceded no more than one goal in 5 of their last 6 league games.
• Neftekhimik opened the scoring in 5 of their last 7 matches in this competition.
• Away from home, the club has remained unbeaten in 5 of their last 6 fixtures (3 wins, 2 draws).

Neftekhimik’s Predicted Line-up (3-4-3)

Timofey Kashintsev – Nikolay Tolstopyatov, Eduard Valiakhmetov, Matvey Filipovsky – Ivan Bober, David Kokoev, Konstantin Shiltsov, Giorgi Kantaria – Daniil Rodin, Andrey Nikitin, Rashid Magomedov.

Match Official

Nikita Novikov (Russia)

Matches officiated: 8 (First League, 2025/26); Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 35; Average yellow cards per match: 4.4; Red cards shown: 0; Average fouls per match: 30; Penalties awarded: 12%.

Match Prediction: Chernomorets vs Neftekhimik

Neftekhimik failed to conclude their home stand on a high note, suffering a defeat against one of the league’s underdogs, Chaika, and conceding three goals. Neftekhimik’s defense has shown occasional weaknesses, as evidenced by their recent heavy loss to Rodina. Despite having six clean sheets in the current championship, Kirill Novikov’s team has conceded in 7 of their last 10 matches. It’s also critical to note that Neftekhimik currently has several defenders sidelined due to injuries. Nevertheless, this season, the club has only failed to score away from home against Fakel.

Under Vadim Evseev, Chernomorets have consistently found the back of the net. While they couldn’t score against Rotor in the previous round, it’s a known challenge to breach the Volgograd team’s defense, even for stronger opponents. However, Chernomorets’ defense lacks consistency. Their 12th-round match against KAMAZ remains their only clean sheet this season, with even three of the lowest-scoring teams in the league managing to find the net against Novorossiysk.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 2.07