In the upcoming KHL match on March 20, 2025, Barys will host Ak Bars at Barys Arena in Astana. This match is significant as both teams aim to improve their standings before the playoffs.
Barys has struggled throughout the season, currently positioned at 12th place in the Eastern Conference, with only 35 points from 66 matches. Their recent performances have been woeful; they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against CSKA in their last home game. However, they did secure a narrow victory against Admiral in a shootout (5-4), even after losing to Amur (2-5) and Sibir (2-3). Despite showing some improvement, it's clear that they have effectively sealed their fate as the league's underdogs.
In contrast, Ak Bars holds the fifth position in the Eastern Conference with 83 points also from 66 matches. Their recent form has left much to be desired, suffering three defeats in four games, including a loss to Vityaz in overtime (1-2) and a home defeat to Avangard (0-2). They are still competing for a higher playoff seed, but must overcome their inconsistencies to secure a favorable standing.
The two teams have faced each other three times this season, with Ak Bars winning all encounters decisively (5-0, 2-1, 5-4). This historical advantage instills confidence in Ak Bars as they enter the match. Additionally, Ak Bars is expected to win by a comfortable margin, given Barys's lackluster showing in the league.
Statistics reveal Barys's struggles in recent matches. They have lost roughly 4 out of their last 7 games while experiencing low scoring outputs, often failing to reach the two-goal mark. Notably, in five of their last six encounters with Ak Bars, the total goals were under 5.5, showcasing the defensive battle expected in their matchups.
For betting fans, bookmakers are favoring Ak Bars heavily, estimating their victory with odds of 1.35. Meanwhile, a bet on Barys's expected performance reveals they might struggle, with a line set for total goals under 1.5 at odds of 1.90.
Despite their advantageous position, Ak Bars has faced challenges away from home, often falling short of their usual scoring prowess. The pressure is mounting for the Kazan side to capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses while looking to stabilize their own falling form.
Coach Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad is under pressure to recover from recent setbacks and utilize their offensive skills effectively. However, maintaining defensive solidity against a team that typically struggles to score may be the key to claiming victory.
In conclusion, given the historical context of their matches and the current form, the prediction leans towards a win for Ak Bars, likely with a scoreline not far from the range of 5-2, but the lower total goals trend cannot be ignored, making unders a potential smart bet, as well.
