# | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 |
Ural
|
13 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 15 | +6 | 24 |
5 |
Chelyabinsk
|
13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 18 | 10 | +8 | 23 |
Ural are showing inconsistent form, as evidenced by a five-match winless streak in the FNL (0-2-3). In the last round, the team lost at home to SK-Khabarovsk (1:2), and before that, they drew with Rotor (0:0) and Neftekhimik (1:1). The only positive results during this stretch were away victories in the Russian Cup against Dinskaya (2:1) and in the league against Ufa (3:2). Despite being third in the table with 24 points, their current momentum raises questions. Their home record is formally strong: 4 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat with a goal difference of 13-6; however, recent home league matches have revealed issues with finishing and defensive reliability.
Chelyabinsk, on the contrary, are in good form. The team is unbeaten in their last five official matches (2-3-0). In the FNL, they secured a big home win over Rodina (4:0) and also recorded away draws with Ufa (0:0) and SK-Khabarovsk (1:1). In the Russian Cup, they claimed an important away victory against Irkutsk (3:2). The team sits in fourth place, trailing their opponent by just one point (23). Chelyabinsk's main strength is their impenetrable home fortress (5-2-0, 11-2), but their away results are more modest: just one win with three draws and two defeats (goal difference 7-8).
The statistics point to a clash between an attacking home side and a defensive-minded visitor. Ural scores an average of 1.62 goals per match (21 goals in 13 rounds) but concedes 1.15. At home, these numbers improve to 1.86 goals scored and 0.86 conceded per game. Chelyabinsk boasts one of the best defenses in the league, having conceded only 10 goals (0.77 on average per match). Their attack is more modest, averaging 1.38 goals per game. A key insight: Chelyabinsk kept clean sheets in three of their last five matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Ural failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five FNL outings.
Tactically, the match is likely to follow an 'attack vs. defense' pattern. Playing at home and under pressure after a winless run, Ural will be forced to take the initiative, dominate possession, and push forward. This will create space for Chelyabinsk's counter-attacks, as they have demonstrated high efficiency on quick transitions, scoring 7 goals in 6 away matches. A weak point for Ural is the unstable performance of their defensive lines, which has been particularly noticeable in recent matches. Chelyabinsk, with their organized defense and discipline, will look to shut down the central zones and snuff out the hosts' attacks early, relying on set-pieces and counter-attacks utilizing the pace of their wingers.
The match outcome recommendation is a draw. Chelyabinsk's current form and defensive solidity give them a chance to pick up points away against an unstable Ural. At the same time, the home advantage and the individual quality of Ural's players give them a chance to avoid defeat. A low-scoring match is expected, where the visitors will focus on disrupting play and the hosts will face problems in attack. The probable scoreline is 1:1. This outcome reflects Ural's attacking potential, which will likely see them score at home, and Chelyabinsk's defensive organization, capable of replying with one precise strike.