CSKA Moscow vs Neftekhimik: Kontinental Hockey League prediction
CSKA Moscow
NeftekhimikCSKA Moscow host Neftekhimik at CSKA Arena in the Kontinental Hockey League on 18 October. CSKA lead their conference with 24 points; Neftekhimik have 20 from 16 matches and are chasing the Eastern Conference leaders.
CSKA Moscow: five wins and a tightening defence
CSKA have won their last five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding 7. The run includes away victories over Dinamo Minsk and Dynamo Moscow and three home wins. They scored in every game and conceded in four of five. Their latest result was a 1:0 win over Dynamo Moscow.
Strengths, weaknesses and lineup information
- Attack: 3.4 goals per game across the last five, with at least three goals in three matches.
- Defence: 1.4 goals conceded per game, including two clean sheets.
- Home form: 8 goals scored and 4 conceded across the three victories.
- Defensive risk: the 4:3 home win over Dynamo Moscow exposed a vulnerability despite the winning run.
CSKA’s probable lineup, starting goaltender, injuries and suspensions are unconfirmed. Goaltender save percentages and power-play and penalty-kill efficiency are unavailable, preventing a numerical comparison in those areas.
- Dynamo Moscowhome1:0
- Dynamo Moscowaway5:2
- Salavat Yulaev Ufahome3:1
- Dynamo Moscowhome4:3
- Dinamo Minskaway4:1
Neftekhimik: productive attack under a heavier defensive load
Neftekhimik have two wins and three defeats in their last five matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding 14. Their home results include victories over Sibir Novosibirsk and Traktor Chelyabinsk, separated by defeats to Barys and Avangard. Away at Salavat Yulaev, they lost 3:4.
Current profile and personnel
- Offence: 2.6 goals per game over the last five, scoring in four.
- Defence: 2.8 goals conceded per game, allowing goals in all five.
- Close games: all three defeats were by a single goal, including the overtime loss to Avangard.
Neftekhimik’s expected lineup, starting goaltender, injuries and suspensions are unconfirmed. Save percentages and power-play and penalty-kill figures are unavailable. They must travel to Moscow after their 16 October home game, while CSKA last played on 14 October.
- Traktor Chelyabinskhome3:2
- Salavat Yulaev Ufaaway3:4
- Avangard Omskhome0:1
- Sibir Novosibirskhome3:2
- Baryshome4:5
Head-to-head record favours the hosts
CSKA have won seven of the nine official meetings over the last five years, with two defeats and no draws. Across the eight most recent meetings, CSKA scored 28 goals to Neftekhimik’s 18.
The latest meeting in Moscow ended 2:0, whereas earlier home fixtures included 5:4 and 7:4 results. Neftekhimik scored in six of those eight encounters: CSKA’s historical advantage has not consistently meant low-scoring games.
- 25.02.2026CSKA Moscow2:0NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
- 14.11.2025Neftekhimik3:2CSKA MoscowKontinental Hockey League
- 27.12.2024Neftekhimik1:2CSKA MoscowKontinental Hockey League
- 22.12.2024CSKA Moscow7:4NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
- 13.11.2023CSKA Moscow2:1NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
Recent comments and available team news
CSKA coach Igor Nikitin described the victory over Amur as a disciplined team performance, saying the squad had approached the opponent and its work correctly.
Neftekhimik coach Igor Grishin described the win over Traktor as an even match. He highlighted the chances created and the conversion of the second breakaway in overtime. Neither team has confirmed lineup changes, and no additional expert comment is available.
Our pick for Moscow
CSKA Moscow host Neftekhimik at CSKA Arena on 18 October, with KHL points at stake. Our pick is W1 1.63, for the hosts to win in regulation. Their five-match winning run and seven victories in nine meetings with this opponent support backing them without overtime protection.
The decisive matchup is CSKA’s attack against a visiting defence that has conceded in all five recent games. The hosts have scored at least three goals in four of their last five outings, so Neftekhimik cannot rely on keeping this a low-scoring contest. The visitors’ latest success required overtime: Igor Grishin described an even game against Traktor, rather than a performance that settled matters early. No confirmed injury, suspension or lineup details are available, so personnel assumptions play no part in this selection. Expected score: 3-1 to CSKA.
Final betting call
W1 1.63 is the selection: CSKA’s scoring frequency targets Neftekhimik’s recurring defensive weakness. The regulation-time requirement is the main risk, rather than a reason to switch the pick.
FAQ
When does CSKA Moscow — Neftekhimik kick off?
The match starts on 18.10.2026 at 07:00 (New York), CSKA Arena (Moscow).
What is the prediction for CSKA Moscow — Neftekhimik?
Our pick is W1 at 1.63.
What are the teams’ chances?
By market estimate: CSKA Moscow win — 58%, draw — 21%, Neftekhimik win — 21%.
Chances by market estimate
Team form
- Dynamo Moscowhome1:0
- Dynamo Moscowaway5:2
- Salavat Yulaev Ufahome3:1
- Dynamo Moscowhome4:3
- Dinamo Minskaway4:1
- Traktor Chelyabinskhome3:2
- Salavat Yulaev Ufaaway3:4
- Avangard Omskhome0:1
- Sibir Novosibirskhome3:2
- Baryshome4:5
Standings · Western Conference
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CSKA Moscow | 15 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 50:27 | 24 |
| 2 | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl | 15 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 40:28 | 22 |
Head-to-head
- 25.02.2026CSKA Moscow2:0NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
- 14.11.2025Neftekhimik3:2CSKA MoscowKontinental Hockey League
- 27.12.2024Neftekhimik1:2CSKA MoscowKontinental Hockey League
- 22.12.2024CSKA Moscow7:4NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
- 13.11.2023CSKA Moscow2:1NeftekhimikKontinental Hockey League
About the match
- 18 October · 07:00 New York
- Venue: CSKA Arena (Moscow)
Odds
Odds updated 17.10 17:20
Market view and goal lines
The market assigns CSKA a 58.9% home-win probability. That probability has risen over the last 24 hours, while the draw and away-win probabilities have fallen.
Over 4.5 is assessed at 55.2% and Under 4.5 at 44.8%, with neither showing a meaningful move. BTTS Yes stands at 79.3%.
Over 4.5 has a narrow market edge, but CSKA’s recent shutouts temper the case for a goals bet.
Our prediction
- Market
- W1
- Current odds
- 1.63
- Odds at prediction
- 1.62
- Confidence
- Our estimate
- 59%
- Market estimate
- 58%
- Stake amount
- 100 $ · 1.62
- Potential win
- 62 $
- Status
- pending
