CSKA vs Traktor: KHL Match Preview
On October 5, CSKA will face off against Chelyabinsk's Traktor following their heavy defeat to Metallurg. The Army team is likely to have learned from this experience and will aim to deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans. However, the Bears are also not willing to back down easily as they are in great shape and on a winning streak. What bet should you consider for this matchup? Find out in our expert prediction.

Command Analysis

CSKA Moscow

Current Form
CSKA sits fourth in the Western Conference and has the potential to climb to the top, but that will not happen soon. The team has alternated between impressive performances and defeats, and an unexpected event occurred during a recent home game after a successful away stretch. They faced Metallurg Magnitogorsk and suffered a heavy 0-7 loss. Following this crushing defeat, coach Ilya Vorobyov did not attend the post-game press conference for over an hour, likely holding a serious discussion with his players in the locker room.
In that match, CSKA struggled in all areas, both defensively and offensively. The goalkeeper switch from Prosvetov to Gamzin did not provide any relief. Notably, the club had previously allowed more than one or two goals in a game very rarely and consistently scored three goals in response. After such a staggering defeat, it’s likely the team will give their all in the upcoming match to make amends before their home crowd.
Injuries and Suspensions
Colby Williams will miss the upcoming game due to injury.
Interesting Betting Trends
- CSKA averages 8.58 penalty minutes per game
CSKA is not known for their discipline and often commits fouls in otherwise calm moments.
- CSKA has a goals ratio of 14:10 in the third period
The team tends to perform well in the final twenty minutes and usually shows an improvement towards the end of the game.

Traktor

Current Form
Tractor sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with a total of 16 points. This strong performance should satisfy both the team and the club management, especially since they weren't reaching such heights in the previous season. The Bears are currently in excellent form, riding a three-game winning streak. On home ice, they defeated Avangard 4-2 and have also secured victories against Spartak 3-2 in a shootout and Dynamo Moscow 4-1 during their current road trip.
Under the guidance of Benoit Groulx, the team focuses on solid defensive play, typically allowing no more than two goals per game. The Chelyabinsk squad also excels in penalty killing, with an impressive 81.3% success rate. Notably, this season, Tractor has lost only once in regulation during away games and has earned at least one point in the other six matches.
Disqualifications and Injuries
Der-Arguchintsev and Sikura will miss the match due to injuries.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Tractor averages 37 shots per game
Whenever possible, the Chelyabinsk team aims to shoot at the net rather than waiting for a perfect play.
- The Bears have a 13:4 goals record in the third period
Chelyabinsk continues to perform strongly in the final period, frequently claiming it as their own.
Trends
Bet 1st Period: Total Over 1.5 Goals
In three of the last five matches between these teams, the first period ended with goals scored
1.78Bet 3rd Period: Away Team to Win
In the last two encounters against CSKA, the Chelyabinsk team claimed victory in the third period
3.30Tip and bets
We believe that Traktor will put up a strong fight against their opponent in the upcoming match and will compete for points. The Chelyabinsk team is in great form and remains unbeaten during their current road series. Furthermore, their past encounters with CSKA have often ended in favor of the Bears in regulation time. The Moscow team will play very cautiously following a heavy defeat, and this carefulness may backfire. Even if Vorobyov's squad manages to find success, it will likely come after 60 minutes of play.
Prediction - Traktor to win with an Asian handicap (+1) in goals at 1.70
Bet on Individual Total
Traktor is recognized as one of the top defensive teams in the league, consistently strong in their own zone. In four of the last five encounters with CSKA, the Bears conceded fewer than three goals. Additionally, CSKA itself has scored more than three goals only once in its last nine games.
We recommend betting on CSKA's individual total being under 3.5 goals at 1.60
Bet on Total Goals
The recent matches between these teams have been low-scoring, typically featuring five or fewer goals. Traktor excels in defense, allowing minimal goals against. Following a heavy defeat, CSKA is expected to play more disciplined in their zone. Based on this, we suggest betting on the total to be under.
We take total goals under 5.5 at 1.90