CSKA Moscow — FC Nizhny Novgorod : Match Preview and Prediction for October 31,2025

CSKA Moscow’s Impressive Form and Tactical Brilliance

CSKA Moscow is demonstrating an outstanding performance this season, with Fabio Celestini seamlessly taking over the team after Nikošić’s unexpected departure. His initial success in Russia has been so significant that there are discussions of a 40% salary increase for the Swiss coach. The previous week proved exceptionally fruitful for the Red-Blues. They secured a 3-2 victory against Akron in the cup, confidently progressing to the RPL path playoffs of the Russian Cup. Furthermore, over the weekend, CSKA effectively ‘fired’ Adiev from Krylya Sovetov with a narrow 1-0 home win against the Samara side, thanks to Lukin’s late goal. The Muscovites are currently in the top three, with Krasnodar hot on their heels, making it crucial not to drop points at home against Pari NN. Di Lucianu and Matheus will be absent for the hosts, but Akinfeev’s return to goal will undoubtedly bolster CSKA’s defensive solidity and confidence.

FC Nizhny Novgorod’s Struggles and Tactical Concerns

Following Sochi’s rather unexpected 4-2 victory in Grozny, Pari NN now finds itself at the very bottom of the standings. Aleksey Shpilevsky’s team has adopted an excessively open and high-pressing style of play, a strategy that many believe is ill-suited to the squad’s strengths and weaknesses.

While they managed to break their losing streak with a 0-0 home draw against Baltika in the last round, a match where their opponents arguably looked more dangerous, especially in the second half, confidence within the team remains low. The visitors are indeed at the bottom of the RPL table, having suffered 10 defeats in just 13 rounds. This troubling statistic is likely to worsen in Moscow. Furthermore, FC Nizhny Novgorod will be without the long-injured Ektov for their clash against CSKA.