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Metallurg Magnitogorsk vs Ak Bars: KHL Match Prediction
On September 27th in the KHL championship, Metallurg Magnitogorsk will face Ak Bars on home ice. The Magnitogorsk team is gradually finding its rhythm and achieving solid results in front of their fans, while the Kazan squad is in excellent form, currently on a long winning streak. Despite this, the hosts are favored in this matchup, largely due to the advantage of playing at home. What bet should you place on this event? Find the answer in our prediction.
Command Analysis
Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Russian FederationCurrent Form
Metallurg is currently outside the playoff zone, sitting in ninth place. The team is certainly not satisfied with its current standing, as it likely aimed to defend its Gagarin Cup title, but that goal now feels distant. Fortunately for the Magnitogorsk squad, players have started returning from injury. They recently secured a victory against Neftechimik (1:0 SO) and Salyavat (5:3), but they suffered another loss to Spartak with a score of 3:4.
At the very least, coach Andrei Razin's team has improved its scoring, averaging three goals per game. However, they are still conceding quite a few goals. In the match against Spartak, Metallurg faltered at the end of the second period, giving up two goals in just three minutes. Ilya Nabokov’s performance was far from perfect, leading to his replacement by Nikita Podskrebailo. However, it’s unlikely the coaching staff will start Nikita in goal for the next match, as Nabokov remains the more consistent option over time.
Injuries and Suspensions
Minulin will miss the match due to injury, while Zernov, who missed the start of the season, may potentially participate in the game.
Interesting Betting Trends
- On average, Metallurg concedes around three goals per game
Currently, Metallurg's defense is underperforming, focusing more on offensive strategies, which has resulted in them allowing numerous goals.
- The Foxes have a goal differential of 7:14 in the second period
Metallurg struggles significantly in the second period when the game is played with longer benches, making it the team that concedes the most goals during this segment.
Ak Bars Kazan
Russian FederationCurrent Form
Ak Bars sits fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a total of ten points. The team faced a challenging start to the season but has gradually found its rhythm. Notably, at home, the Kazan team has extended its winning streak to three games, defeating Magnitogorsk 2-0, Barys 5-0, and Sochi 5-2. Although they encountered some difficulties on the road, they managed to overcome Lada with a score of 4-3. Under coach Anvar Gatiyatulin, the team excels in offense, consistently scoring at least three goals per game.
The leading scorers include Yashkin, Petan, and Galimov, each accumulating at least eight points via goals and assists. However, the team's performance on the power play remains average, with only 14.3% efficiency. In contrast, their penalty kill is the best in the league, successfully neutralizing 94.1% of opponent power plays. Interestingly, the first goal they conceded while shorthanded occurred only in the last match, as they had previously allowed goals only during even-strength situations.
Injuries and Suspensions
Currently, there are no injured or suspended players on the Ak Bars roster.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Ak Bars averages at least 37 shots on goal per game.
The Kazan team aims to be aggressive, spending much of their time in the opponent's zone, which provides ample opportunities for shots.
- Ak Bars has an 8:4 goal differential in the first period.
The team performs well in the opening period, and their high pace often leads to early goals.
Trends
Bet 1st Period: Total Under 1.5 Goals
In the last five matchups between these teams, the first period was low-scoring
1.80Bet 2nd Period: Both Teams to Score
In the two most recent encounters involving the Kazan team, both sides scored in the second period
2.30Tip and bets
Ak Bars has shown superior performance in recent matches. They consistently score more goals compared to Metallurg, which has only demonstrated good scoring in their last two games. Meanwhile, the Kazan team excels defensively, allowing fewer goals. It’s no coincidence that their last matchup, just a couple of weeks ago, ended with a 2-0 victory for Ak Bars. It seems unfair to label them as underdogs, making their potential win an attractive option at excellent odds.
Prediction - Ak Bars to win with a handicap (0) at 1.98
Bet on Individual Total
In three out of the last four encounters, Metallurg conceded at least three goals. The Kazan team has scored a minimum of three times in their last three matches. Nabokov is currently not in optimal form and sometimes allows goals in simple situations, so we believe the skilled forwards of Ak Bars should secure at least three goals.
We are betting on Ak Bars to score over 2.5 goals at 1.88
Bet on Overall Total
Most matches between these two teams tend to be low-scoring. In their last five meetings, the total goals scored were all under six. The Kazan team has only exceeded the total in their last two games, while earlier matches were characterized by fewer goals.
We recommend betting on a total of under 5.5 goals at odds of 1.80
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