# | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 |
Chelyabinsk
|
13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 18 | 10 | +8 | 23 |
11 |
Arsenal Tula
|
14 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 20 | 18 | +2 | 16 |
Chelyabinsk's current form demonstrates defensive stability and reliability, especially in home matches. The team remains unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions (2 wins, 3 draws). Their unbeaten run in the FNL stretches to four matches. Their home fortress is a key asset: in seven league games at their own ground, Chelyabinsk have secured 5 wins and 2 draws, conceding just 2 goals. The resounding 4:0 victory over Rodina and the recent goalless 0:0 draw away to Ufa confirm the team's confidence and balance. Their recent league form "DDWDW" underscores this resilience.
Arsenal Tula is experiencing a noticeable slump, particularly in the FNL. Their current league form of "DDLDL" shows just two points from the last three rounds. Defeats to Neftekhimik (1:0) and Spartak Kostroma (1:2) at home, coupled with an away loss to Fakel (1:0), reveal serious issues with both scoring and picking up points. The only bright spot was a 3:0 away thrashing of Volna in the Russian Cup, but this does not negate the negative streak in the championship. In seven away league matches, Arsenal has managed only 2 wins against 3 defeats, scoring 8 and conceding 7 goals.
The league standings statistics paint a contrasting picture. Chelyabinsk sits in 5th place with 23 points and a goal difference of +8. The team boasts one of the best defenses in the league, having conceded only 10 goals in 13 matches. Their home stats are even more impressive: 11 scored and just 2 conceded. Arsenal Tula is in 11th position with 16 points. Their attack is generally productive (20 goals), but their defense is unstable (18 conceded). A key statistic is Arsenal's number of draws – 7, which points to an inability to close out games for a win.
Tactically, the match will be a clash between the home side's defensive discipline and the visitors' attempts to disrupt their organization. Chelyabinsk will most likely play from a solid defensive base, utilizing set-pieces and quick counter-attacks. Their home goals conceded stat (0.29 per match) indicates a supremely high level of organization. Arsenal will be forced to seek the initiative and push forward, which could play into the hands of the well-drilled hosts. However, the 8 goals scored by Arsenal in 7 away matches show that a threat from their attack exists, but it is inconsistent. The main battle will unfold in midfield, where Chelyabinsk will look to control possession and tempo, while Arsenal will seek opportunities through individual actions.
The match outcome recommendation clearly leans towards a Chelyabinsk victory. The combination of their impeccable home form, rock-solid defense, and Arsenal's evident slump is the decisive factor. The probable scoreline: 2:0. This pick is based on Chelyabinsk's ability to keep clean sheets (3 of their 7 home league games ended with zero goals conceded) and their average scoring rate at home (1.57 goals per match). An alternative, though less probable outcome, considering Arsenal's tendency to draw, could be a 1:0 win for the hosts.