Ararat Yerevan — Pyunik : Match Preview and Prediction for August 22,2025

Current Performance Woes

Let’s be realistic about Ararat’s recent performances. Their latest results don’t inspire confidence. A crushing 0-3 defeat against Alashkert on August 16th, where the team managed only one shot towards goal and zero on target, paints a rather dismal picture. Ball possession at just 26% speaks volumes about their struggle.

The Unforeseen Home Advantage

However, there’s a significant “but” that bookmakers seem to overlook: Ararat’s home stadium. The numbers are unequivocal: in 15 of their previous 18 home matches, the team did not lose by more than a single goal. This is an undeniable fact that cannot be ignored when assessing their chances.

Head-to-Head Home Record

Furthermore, if we examine the head-to-head encounters specifically on Ararat’s home turf, the statistics become even more compelling. In 16 out of 20 such clashes, the hosts have maintained a +1.5 goal handicap. While the team’s overall form is certainly questionable, the home-field factor has historically been a crucial element for Ararat in their confrontations with Pyunik.

Champions in Transition

Pyunik approaches this match as the clear favorite, and understandably so, considering they are the reigning champions. However, beneath the prestigious title lies a team undergoing a significant restructuring. A pivotal event occurred recently on August 6th: head coach Yegishe Melikyan, who led the team to two consecutive championships, departed the club.

Consequences of Coaching Departure

The departure of such a specialist, known for his firm character and ability to maximize player potential, cannot be without consequence. The team is effectively headless, and its playing style, which was built over years, is now in question. This is no longer the same Pyunik that dominated last season.

Recent Performance & Tactical Issues

Confirmation of these issues can be seen in their most recent league match. On August 11th, Pyunik failed to defeat Shirak, settling for a 0-0 draw. A closer look at the statistics reveals 63% ball possession, 9 shots on goal, but only a single shot on target. This directly indicates problems in their attacking phase following Melikyan’s departure. The team controls the ball extensively but lacks sharpness in the final third. And prior to this, they were also eliminated from the Conference League by Hungarian side Győr.