SKA-Khabarovsk FK Sokol Saratov 2025-10-18 08:00 Betting tips

FC SKA-Khabarovsk is showing unstable but generally positive momentum in the FNL. In their last five matches across all competitions, the team has secured three wins, one draw, and suffered one defeat. The Khabarovsk side is on an upward trend in the championship: a resounding victory over Shinnik (3:1) and an away success against Ural (2:1) were followed by a home draw with Chelyabinsk (1:1) and a narrow win over Chernomorets (1:0). The only heavy defeat (0:3) came in the Russian Cup match against Rodina, which may indicate the tournament's secondary importance for the team's current priorities. Their home stats in the FNL are solid: 7 matches, 3 wins, 3 draws, 1 defeat, goal difference 9-6.

FC Sokol is in a deep competitive crisis, sitting in 17th place. The team demonstrates catastrophic finishing issues and an inability to win. Over 14 rounds, the club has achieved just one win with 7 draws and 6 losses. In their last five games, the Saratov side won only one match in the Russian Cup against Broc Boys (2:0); their FNL results are more modest: a draw with Shinnik (0:0), a victory over Torpedo (1:0), and a defeat to Rodina (0:2). Their away stats are a major cause for concern: 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 defeats, goal difference 2-9. The team has scored only 8 goals this season, which is one of the worst records in the league.

Head-to-head statistics clearly point to the dominance of SKA-Khabarovsk. In the last four direct encounters, the Khabarovsk side remained undefeated: two wins and two draws. The teams have already met this season: in November 2024, SKA secured a narrow away victory (1:0), while in August of the same year, they played to a draw at home (2:2). In three of the four matches, SKA scored two or more goals. The trend shows that SKA consistently creates and converts more chances against Sokol's defensive setups.

Tactically, the match will be a clash between the home side's attacking potential and the visitors' defensive discipline. SKA-Khabarovsk, playing at home, will control possession and the initiative, relying on set-pieces and wing play. The key will be their ability to break down the deep, compact low block that Sokol is likely to deploy. The visitors, in turn, will rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces, however, their attacking efficiency away from home is extremely low – 0.33 goals scored on average per away match. Sokol's main problem is an inability to maintain concentration throughout the entire match, which leads to goals conceded in the second half.

The outcome recommendation clearly points to a home victory. SKA's home record against Sokol's away weakness creates a high-probability scenario. The team from Khabarovsk demonstrates stability on their home turf, while the Saratov side has not shown any productive play away from home all season. SKA is expected to score multiple goals, considering the visitors' defensive issues, having conceded 9 goals in 6 away matches. The recommended scoreline is: SKA-Khabarovsk 2 – 0 FC Sokol Saratov. This outcome reflects the hosts' superiority in attack and the reliability of their defense at home.