Lada vs Ak Bars: KHL Match Prediction
Kazan's Ak Bars, following a successful streak of home games, is set to embark on a new away tour. Coach Anvar Gatiyatullin’s squad will seek to earn points on September 25 in Togliatti against the local team, Lada. The Owls have lost three consecutive matches and are determined to secure a win against the favorite. Will Oleg Bratash's team demonstrate resilience and bring joy to their fans in the Samara region? Or will Ak Bars achieve victory once more? We delve into this in our match preview.

Command Analysis

Lada Togliatti

Current Form
Lada had a decent recent away outing, securing a victory against Vityaz in Balashikha (2:1), followed by a narrow point against SKA in Saint Petersburg (3:4, OT). Their road trip concluded with a defeat in Yaroslavl against the Western Conference leader, and upon returning home, they lost to Avtomobilist (0:1). Over their last three matches, the Owls have earned just one point, dropping to tenth place in the East with five points after seven games.
The club from the Samara region is struggling with offensive performance. Under the leadership of Mikhail Fisenko, the team averages only 24 shots on goal per game, converting a mere 7.7% of their chances. Currently, the Avtomobilists score a modest 1.85 goals per game, with Maxim Berezin leading the team as the top scorer with just four points (1+3).
Disciplinary Issues and Injuries
Rafael Bikmullin will miss the next game.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Lada wins only 42.5% of faceoffs
The Togliatti team struggles significantly at this facet, which is an area they need to improve considerably.
- On average, the home team accumulates six minutes of penalty time per game
Oleg Bratash’s squad aims to minimize discipline violations, but this does not always translate successfully on the ice.

Ak Bars Kazan

Current Form
Ak Bars struggled during their first away series of the new season, managing only two points from three games. Upon returning to Tatneft Arena, Dmitry Yashkin's team restructured and began to showcase a dramatically different style of hockey. The "Cats" secured impressive victories over Metallurg (2-0) and Barys (5-0), followed by a significant win against Sochi. Despite conceding two goals to the southern team, Kazan has generally improved their defensive performance. Amir Miftakhov found his rhythm, achieving consecutive shutouts and standing out as the best player for the hosts in both matches in Tatarstan.
Under the guidance of Anvar Gatiyatullin, the team has improved their execution in converting chances. Averaging 37 shots per game, the "Greens" scored 8.7% of their opportunities. Thanks to strong performances at home, Ak Bars has adjusted their goals for and against ratio to 19:13. Currently, Ak Bars sits in seventh place in the East, accumulating eight points from six matches.
Injuries and Suspensions
The Kazan team will arrive in Togliatti at full strength.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Ak Bars wins 53.3% of faceoffs
The Kazan team excels in faceoff situations, consistently dominating opponents in this area.
- The "Cats" average 25 body checks per game
The visitors employ a tough style, maintaining a physical approach against their opponents in every match.
Trends
Bet 1st period: total under 1.5 goals
In three of their last four matchups last season neither team scored more than one goal in the first periods.
1.75Bet 3rd period: Lada to score
In two home games against Ak Bars last season Lada managed to find the net in the final segments of the matches.
1.72Tip and bets
Despite losing their first match in the current home series, Lada performed admirably and were deserving of a goal. Playing on home ice, the Tolyatti team has significantly better results compared to away games, where they secured their first victory of the season. Ak Bars has showcased strong performances in Kazan, but their away games under head coach Anvar Gatiyatullin have seen them struggle offensively and defend less reliably. Last season, the hosts triumphed over their rivals twice in Samara and did so in regulation time. We don’t believe the Cats will dominate the Owls this Wednesday and recommend placing a bet on the first team to win or draw.
Prediction - Lada will not lose at 1.81
Total Bet
Lada is one of the most defensive teams in the league. Anvar Gatiyatullin's approach in Kazan emphasizes a similar style, and on average, the team allows just over two goals per game this season. We shouldn't expect a fast start from either team or more than five accurate shots combined.
We recommend betting on a total of under five goals at 1.73.
First Period Total Bet
Lada tends to start games slowly and takes time to find their rhythm. The Tolyatti team focuses primarily on defense and carefully analyzes their opponents. Ak Bars also prefers a measured approach, making it challenging to anticipate a high-scoring first period.
We suggest betting on under 1.5 goals in the second period with odds of 1.75.