Spartak Kostroma vs Neftekhimik

Spartak Kostroma host Neftekhimik in Round 11 of the Russian First League, with a place in the promotion playoff picture at stake. The hosts sit sixth, just a point off that zone, while Neftekhimik are ninth and hoping to close the gap. The hosts arrive in fine form, having won three straight matches and kept three consecutive clean sheets, with eight points from four games at home this season. Forward Amur Kalymov remains their main outlet up front, though he's gone three matches without a goal. Neftekhimik favor a cautious, counter-attacking approach and have conceded just once in their last two league games, despite a penalty-shootout cup exit to Chertanovo. Adding intrigue, Spartak have never beaten Neftekhimik in their head-to-head history — a run the home side will be eager to end in front of their own fans. Our prediction: 2-1