SKA-Khabarovsk — Sokol Saratov : Match Preview and Prediction for October 18,2025

SKA-Khabarovsk Current Form and Home Advantage

After 14 rounds, SKA-Khabarovsk currently sits in 8th place in the league table. With just a 5-point deficit separating them from 4th position, Khabarovsk remains firmly in the race for promotion. Over the past month, Poddubskiy’s team has only faced defeats against Rodina (in both league and cup competitions). However, they have successfully overcome Chornomorets, Shinnik, and Ural. Their victory in Yekaterinburg is particularly noteworthy, given SKA’s inconsistent away performances. Traditionally, the team rarely loses matches on their home turf.

Defensive Strength at Home

It’s worth highlighting the hosts’ strong defensive displays at the Lenin Stadium in Khabarovsk. They have conceded only 6 goals in 7 home matches, showcasing their resilience.

Sokol Saratov’s Struggles and Away Form

Sokol Saratov finds itself at the bottom of the league table. In 14 matches, the visitors have only collected 10 points, with a mere single point earned away from home in the very first round. Consequently, Sokol is currently enduring a five-match losing streak. They’ve managed to score only 2 goals in their last 6 fixtures, which is the worst offensive record in the league. Overall, the attack of the Saratov squad rarely finds the back of the net, with Shpitalny being the only player to score more than one goal.

Managerial Concerns and Systemic Issues

It’s difficult to say that the visitors possess a weak squad; they do have quality players. However, a clear system of play is conspicuously absent, raising questions about the head coach. Kashchelan narrowly saved Sokol from relegation last season, but now risks not being able to lift them out of the drop zone.