Chernomorets Novorossiysk
- Chernomorets boss Denis Popov was appointed in January 2026 and has set about creating a team that can control games, play with the ball in midfield and press from the wide areas, while also being a team that can be dangerous on set pieces.
- They will try to set the pace against a similarly underperforming Sokol side, who have no wins or draws in their last 5 matches and will be looking to bounce back from a home defeat to Ural (0-3) and a 4-0 thrashing by FC Yenisey Krasnoyarsk at home.
Sokol Saratov
- Evgeniy Kharlachev took over at Sokol in March 2026 and has seen his pragmatic approach to setting up his team with a deep defensive block and countering directly, but results have yet to improve.
- Sokol Saratov have lost each of their last 5 games, with no wins or draws.
Head-to-Head
- Chernomorets Novorossiysk beat Sokol Saratov 2-1 away in the same match-up of the 2024/2025 season.
- Sokol have failed to win in their last two away games against Chernomorets.
Key Players
- Aleksandr Khubulov has been a constant threat since he joined the team and is the midfield engine and set-piece master for Chernomorets.
- The experienced midfielder has 4 goals in 9 FNL appearances and will be a focal point of Chernomorets’ attack on Sunday.
- Vladislav Shpitalnyi is Sokol’s main goal threat.
- Shpitalnyi has scored 4 goals in 24 appearances in the FNL 2025/2026.
Betting Insights
- Chernomorets Novorossiysk (16th/29pts from 30 games; 1.86) are short-priced to beat a struggling Sokol Saratov (18th/16pts from 30 games).
- Sokol have a poor away record, having drawn 4 and lost 10 of their 14 away matches in FNL 2025/2026, scoring just 4 goals.
- Recent form heavily favours Chernomorets, while Sokol arrive on a 5-game losing streak.
Prediction
- This game is likely to see a lot of back and forth with Chernomorets in control and Sokol looking to make it as difficult as possible.
- We’re taking a Chernomorets home win for the main bet in this matchup, but we’ll also be taking over 2.5 goals and both teams to score - No as a smaller bet as the home side should get the 3 points.
