LiontipsCSKA vs Avangard. Predictions & Betting Tips for KHL Final Series
Command Analysis
CSKA are definitely not used to losing on their ice in this season's Gagarin Cup, and before the last game against Avangard, they have only lost twice at home. Let's not forget, that the series against Lokomotiv also started badly for Igor Nikitin's team, and they lost their first match, but later managed to find the key to breaking their opponent.
Everything tends to go well for the Red Army if they score first because then they can easily control the game. The Muscovites are probably the best among all other clubs in terms of keeping the score. But they had their problems in the last game: when Avangard was shorthanded, they had two chances to score, but they didn't use either of them. That can bring more problems in the upcoming matches.
Avangard really needed that victory, and it is important in many ways, for instance, it is hugely important for morale. Psychologically, the players now believe that they can beat CSKA in the series. The Hawks were extremely efficient, fought back every time, and almost always cleared the puck with accurate passes.
The manager of the Hawks, Bob Hartley, called this match almost perfect in terms of the performance of his players. Sergey Tolchinsky was brilliant in the crease, who, and as a result of his excellent play, made two assists, although he spent just over 13 minutes on the ice. If Avangard continues to use CSKA's mistakes, they will have every chance to finish this with a comfortable score.
Trends
Ставка1st period: total under 1.5
In 3 out of 4 H2H games, less than two goals were scored in the first period.
Ставка3rd period: Avangard to score
The team from Omsk scored in the third period in two games in a row.
Tip and bets
In the first match, there were a lot of mistakes on the part of CSKA, and Avangard used these mistakes to their advantage. We do not think that in such a short period of time the Red Army will be able to fix their problems. Most likely, the second match will be an equal fight and may even end in overtime. With that in mind, we propose to bet on the guests with a handicap.
Our prediction is Avangard to win with an Asian handicap (+1)
CSKA haven't been often scoring more than two goals in the recent games. And if we take into account that Avangard really can show good skills in defense, and they make minimum mistakes in their defensive zone, we will bet on CSKA's individual total.
Our second wager is CSKA's individual total under 2.5 goals.
