Ak Bars Kazan - Metallurg Magnitogorsk predictions and free betting tips [28/12/2023]

Welcome to the regular league of the Continental Hockey League 2023/2024. This is the fourth match of the game day and a true KHL classic. Two seasoned teams, which have clashed countless times in the playoffs, will meet again. Ak Bars in Kazan is set to host the current Eastern leader, Metallurg from Magnitogorsk.

Ak Bars Kazan

It's awful, simply terrible, their performance does not align with the quality of their roster. This is what people are saying about Ak Bars' recent results and overall performance. Deservedly so, since Ak Bars enhanced their team remarkably in the offseason, even during the season, but the results are still not coming. Ak Bars, it's almost funny to say, is closer to missing out on the playoffs than it is to topping the conference. The team played three matches following the break, losing two of them.

Obviously, their win against Avangard right after the break is a standout, but it was followed by losses to Avtomobilist and Sibir. Currently, Ak Bars sits in seventh place in the conference, having accrued 50 points from 43 matches. These points came from 19 regulation time victories, five beyond it, and two losses resulting in one point. The remaining 17 confrontations saw Ak Bars lose without any extra points. However, Ak Bars isn't that poor in terms of conceded goals, they're second in the conference – 97. The scoring situation is worse, only fifth place with 114 goals.

Metallurg Magnitogorsk

Prior to the break, Magnitka lost four matches in a row, so everyone wondered what would happen post-break. They won two out of two games, first in overtime against Amur and then in regulation against Ak Bars. It seemed as if Metallurg was on its way to more victories. But then came a shocking collapse against Lada, losing 1:5 with total bewilderment as to how it happened. Issues with both attack and defence, which are unusual for Magnitka as either one tends to function well.

However, even this defeat did not drop Metallurg in the league table. Currently, they occupy the top spot in the conference, having collected 59 points from 44 matches. These points were scored thanks to 21 victories in regulation time, six beyond it, and five losses earning a single point. The remaining 12 encounters saw Magnitka lose without any additional points. Metallurg leads the East in goals scored – 134. On the defensive end, things are much worse, only fourth from the bottom with 114 goals conceded.

Head-To-Head Meetings

Ak Bars and Metallurg have competed against each other in 74 matches. Ak Bars prevailed 39 times, while Metallurg won 35 encounters. In the current season, Metallurg beat Ak Bars 3:0.

Prediction

Interestingly, even with all the team issues, Ak Bars is still favoured to win this match. The odds for a Magnitogorsk club win stand at 2.90. I would, however, suggest opting for the victory of Ak Bars, who should redeem themselves after the post-break fumbles.

Prediction for Total

If you wish not to bet on a specific winner, my suggestion is to take the ITO1 (2.5) at 1.78. Metallurg has had problems with their attack, even in winning matches, so three goals for Ak Bars is a very plausible scenario.