CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Moscow: Preview, Free Tip & Prediction

30.07.2021 15:30

In the second round of the Russian top league, the famous Moscow derby will be played on Saturday evening at the CSKA Arena, among the other matches. Due to the early draw of this derby, neither of the teams had much chance to give us a hint as to what direction their season will take, so we can expect rather more cautious, defensive-oriented football at the start.

Basic information, news and team form

Cska has had a turbulent start on their bench in the opening game of the new season. After less than 3 months, Croatian coach Ivica Olic quit, whose ideas about the team's future and transfers did not match the Moscow club's management's view. The new coach is former Russian defender Alexey Berezuckiy, formerly playing for the club. CSKA Moscow had a very successful preparation. Out of 6 preliminary matches, they managed to win 5 times and keep a clean sheet 3 times. In the only preparatory match, they lost to FC Copenhagen from Denmark 0:1. In the first tough match, the Armey managed to tip the scales to their side only after the half-time score was 0:0 when they managed to score the only goal of the match into Ufa's net.

Lokomotiv Moscow played a total of 8 preliminary matches. After a very promising start, when they managed to beat Slovenian Ljubljana 6:1 and Slovak Žilina 3:2, a series of draws with Rapid Vienna and Polish Cracovia came. In the following 2 preliminary matches, Moscow managed to win again, but in the Russian Super Cup dress rehearsal, they lost to Rostov 2-1. Moscow entered the Super Cup with a similar performance, where they failed to score even a single goal and the favored Zenit won 3-0 without much trouble. The Railwaymen can at least be happy with the result from their first tough game of the season when they managed to beat Arsenal Tula 3-1 at home.

 

 

Betdoin's view of the match

Neither team has been able to show us much during this season, so it is difficult to predict what direction their season will take. According to the bookmakers, CSKA Moscow enters this duel as a slight favorite at odds of 2.4, but with the home environment playing a big role in this odds. Looking at our Betdoin stats, I was intrigued by the average number of goals scored in the first half by both teams, which averages around 0.6 goals per game, so I see value in a bet on the Under 1 goal in the first half. Add to that the fact that this is the first derby and right in the 2nd round, when the season is still long and there is no need to catch up with the opponents in the table, so I expect a rather defensive first half and in case one of the teams manages to push through, after all, we will get our stake back.

 

 

Absentees and estimated line-up

Defender Georgy Schennikov suffered an injury in the last 1st round match against FC Ufa and therefore will be unavailable. Likewise, Icelandic duo Hordur Magnússon, who is recovering from a long-term Achilles tendon injury and is not expected to return to action until September, and Arnór Sigurdsson, who is undergoing an individual training plan, will still not be at disposal. On the other hand, Nikola Vlasic, who missed the last game due to a slight knee injury, should be available now. On the Red-Green side, the only questionable start is that of Cape Verdean striker Ze Luis, who is recovering from a long-term injury.

CSKA Moscow - estimated line-up:

Igor Akinfeev - Fernandes, Diveev, Vasin, Karpov - Dzagoev, Oblyakov - Akhmetov, Ejuke, Bistrovic - Zabolotny

Lokomotiv Moscow - estimated line-up:

Guilherme - Rybus, Cerqueira, Magkeev, Rybchinsky - Krychowiak, Kulikov, Barinov, Zhemaletdinov - Kamano, Smolov

 

Free tip for CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Moscow - DNB 2 (2,20)

 

Frequently asked questions about the match CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Moscow?

Where to watch CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Moscow live on TV? Match Premier, Match TV.

Which players to watch during the match? Rifat Zhemaletdinov, Chalov, Ejuke.

Who is the odds-on favorite for the match? The favorite according to the bookmakers is CSKA Moscow (2,3).

How did the last match between the two teams end? Lokomotiv Moscow 0:2 CSKA Moscow, 27/02/2021.

What time does the match start? Opening whistle on Saturday 31/07/2021 at 19:00.

What stadium will the match be played in? Arena CSKA (Moscow).

Where can I find the match at Betdoin? Full statistics can be found here.

 

 

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