Ufa's Salavat Yulaev is set to face off against Khabarovsk's Amur today, December 25, 2023, at 19:00 local time at the Ufa Arena. This encounter marks the second meeting between the two teams within just one week, following Salavat's impressive victory of 3-0 during their first match on December 23.
For this game, Salavat Yulaev will feature the following lineup: goalkeepers Semen Vyazov and Dmitry Samonov; forwards including Rempal, Todd, Livo, Shatov, and more across four lines; and defensemen Hafizullin and Naumenko among others.
During the last match, Salavat Yulaev showcased solid gameplay, with Joshua Livo among the scorers, alongside standout performances from goalie Vyazov, who achieved his first shutout of the season by saving all 32 of Amur's shots on goal. The victory helped Salavat Yulaev secure its place at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, currently holding 50 points.
Meanwhile, Amur, who has struggled this season, currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 20 points. Under the leadership of interim head coach Viktor Kostiuchenok, the team has experienced significant roster changes following problematic performances earlier this season. Key acquisitions during the summer included forwards Alexander Galchenyuk and Brandon Brosso, though the team has found it difficult to capitalize on their talent.
Both clubs have faced off multiple times throughout the history of the KHL, with Salavat Yulaev winning 33 out of 51 encounters. Historically, Salavat has maintained a significant goal differential, scoring 155 goals to Amur's 113.
Betting analysts have made Salavat Yulaev the clear favorites for today's game, offering odds of 1.57 for their victory, compared to higher odds for Amur at 5.25, showing the prevailing sentiment about the teams' current form. Analysts have noted Salavat's ability to concede, on average, 2.45 goals per match, paired with their strong defensive capabilities.
Should Salavat secure another win today, they will inch closer to claiming the top seed within the conference, making this game pivotal not only for the standings but also for Amur's struggling season.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on KHL Prime, BST, and the online cinema Kinopoisk.
With the stakes presented by the upcoming duel, both teams are sure to bring their best game to the ice. Salavat Yulaev will aim to assert dominance at home, leveraging the energy of their supporters right from the start.
