- Form: FC Akhmat are unbeaten in their last 5 matches in all competitions (W1, D4).
- Head-to-head: FK Spartak Moscow are unbeaten in 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads (W2, D2).
- League positions: Spartak have been more consistent in the Premier League 2026/2027, sitting 2nd with 3 points, compared to Akhmat who are 5th with 1 point.
Cherchesov’s Akhmat are a stubborn unit
The bookmakers have FK Spartak Moscow at 2.14 for Sunday's matchup against FC Akhmat Grozny at Akhmat-Arena, with the home side 3.42 and the draw 3.64, but Stanislav Cherchesov's side can make this much closer than the odds suggest. Akhmat have been a stubborn opponent at home, where they are currently unbeaten in 2 (W1, D1) and they are also undefeated in 5 matches overall (W1, D4).
Akhmat are not a free-flowing side, but they have a good structure, they are hard to break down and can pose a constant threat on the flanks and from set-pieces. The home team drew 1-1 at Lokomotiv Moscow in their most recent Premier League 2026/2027 matchup and Cherchesov looks to have them in a place where they can compete for survival.
Akhmat's top scorer so far in the new season is Erald Maksuti with 1 goal in 1 game and the Albanian striker is the most reliable finisher. In contrast, FK Spartak Moscow are playing a faster-paced game under Juan Carlos Carcedo, pressing teams, rotating players and looking for overloads in front of goal.
Spartak can just edge a close matchup
Away form and recent results
Spartak's away record is shaky at 0-0-1, having won 3-0 at home to Rodina Moscow in their most recent matchup, just a week after being beaten on penalties in the Super Cup by Zenit.
They should have the edge on paper, but Akhmat's home form and Cherchesov's pragmatism should make this closer than the current odds suggest.
Players, head-to-head and prediction
The away team should be able to edge out a win on Sunday. I will take a little bit of a punt on Spartak Moscow to win and both teams to score in the match as it looks like there will be goals in the game.
Both teams to score 'Yes' is 1.72 and Under/Over 2.5 is 1.97 for this game and I think there is enough in the stats and the way each team is playing for an away win to sneak through. Akhmat have averaged 1.0 goals scored per game at home to Spartak, while Spartak have averaged 1.0 away goals against Akhmat in the past 5 meetings.
- Spartak's Christopher Martins has an early-season advantage in the Premier League 2026/2027 with 1 goal in 1 match, while Alexander Djiku adds a touch of creativity with 1 assist in 1.
- Spartak have a small edge in the head-to-heads, having beaten Akhmat 3-1 in their away match last Premier League 2025/2026.
