CSKA Moscow — FC Nizhny Novgorod : Match Preview and Prediction for October 31,2025

Team Analysis: CSKA Moscow’s Strong Form

CSKA Moscow has been performing brilliantly this season. Fabio Celestini confidently stepped into the team after Nikolic’s unexpected departure, making such an impact that the Swiss coach is reportedly set for a 40% salary increase due to his initial successes in Russia. The past week proved highly productive for the “red-blues.” They defeated Akron 3-2 in the cup, securing a confident progression to the Russian Cup RPL Path playoffs. Over the weekend, CSKA effectively ended Adiev’s tenure at Krylia Sovetov with a 1-0 home victory against the Samara side, thanks to Lukin’s late goal. The Muscovites are currently in the top 3, with Krasnodar close behind, making it imperative not to drop points at home against Pari NN. Di Luciano and Matheus will miss the game for the hosts, but Akinfeev returns to goal, which will undoubtedly add reliability and confidence to CSKA’s defense.

Team Analysis: FC Nizhny Novgorod’s Struggle

Following Sochi’s somewhat unexpected 4-2 victory in Grozny, Pari NN has found itself at the very bottom of the RPL table. Aleksey Shpilevsky’s team employs a remarkably open and high-pressing style of play, and there’s a growing sentiment that this approach simply doesn’t suit the squad.

While they did break their losing streak with a 0-0 home draw against Baltika in the previous round, where the opponents even looked more impressive, especially in the second half, the team lacks fundamental confidence in their game. Meanwhile, the visitors are in last place in the RPL with a dismal record of 10 losses in 13 matches. This statistic is highly likely to worsen in Moscow. FC Nizhny Novgorod will also be without the long-injured Ektov for the match against CSKA.