Lokomotiv M – Krasnodar

Lokomotiv look clear favourites against Krasnodar due to motivation

On Saturday 18 March, Lokomotiv take on Krasnodar at home. The Zheleznodorodni continue their escape from the relegation zone. That said, the team still have a long way to go to ensure a quiet life at the finish of the tournament. Krasnodar have their sights set on the Russian Cup. "The Bulls do not have much of a challenge in the championship. The gap from third place is nine points. There is no threat of relegation. Both teams spent the middle of the week playing cup games. It turned out with mixed success. Lokomotiv managed to drop out of the Russian Cup, losing to First League club Akron in a penalty shoot-out. A very painful defeat. The club clearly could have made a noise in the second tournament. Now there is disappointment over such a sensational result. If we focus on the positives, the situation in the RPL is favourable. Zheleznodorozhniki took six points in two games where they were not even close favourites. Mikhail Galaktionov's team defeated Rostov and Akhmat on the road. The first meeting was marked by Dzyuba's hat-trick, while the second was historic in terms of penalties. The referee left Lokomotiv in Grozny with nine men. The team defended with a minimal advantage. It is important that Lokomotiv had a rotation in the Cup. Dzyuba missed the meeting. Now the player will be out from the opening minutes for Krasnodar. For the Bulls, things have worked out brilliantly with the Cup. The Southerners progressed to the next round, defeating Akhmat in Grozny. The scoreline should not be misleading. The hosts had an early suspension. It had a decisive impact. That said, Krasnodar have looked good in two games already. Before that they managed to beat Dynamo in the championship. The newcomers have strengthened the club. The one who stands out is midfielder Kadi. The Brazilian scored a brace against the Bilo-Syni. Gradually, the Bulls are returning to their favourite scoring style. The team have played three games on aggregate. If we take all the matches in 2023, only one was a draw. Lokomotiv are also more inclined to result-oriented football. In the last two meetings, there have been circumstances that have influenced the low number of goals. Bookmakers continue to give very cautious odds on Lokomotiv. Even at home the club is not singled out as a clear favourite, although the club in the championship looks stronger than Krasnodar in most components. Motivation is a very important factor. At home Lokomotiv will try to play high pressure. The selection of performers disposes to it. At the same time Krasnodar must have their chances. We can see the game in a result-oriented way.