Lokomotiv M – CSKA

Lokomotiv and CSKA are unlikely to play from defence

On Monday, 19 May, Lokomotiv will play at home against CSKA. The meeting is very important from the point of view of the fight for medals. The Railwaymen are unlikely to cling to third place - there's almost no chance. CSKA, on the other hand, will be satisfied with a draw. Then they'll need to beat Pari NN in the last round to secure the medals. CSKA approaches the game on a moral high. Firstly, the Army Men have reached the final of the Russian Cup, and secondly, they are celebrating 20 years since winning the UEFA Cup. The decisive match with Zenit turned out to be historic. CSKA made a comeback from 0:2 down. Another great game was played by goalkeeper Vladislav Torop. The young goalkeeper made several saves in regulation time and converted a penalty kick from Alexander Sobolev. CSKA is the best club of the spring, without any options. The Army men have not suffered a single defeat in the Russian championship so far. The team has rebuilt to a new scheme a lot of talent is progressing under Marko Nikolic. Interestingly, CSKA's forwards are the ones making the most progress. They created 11.50 xG chances and scored 15 goals. The defence has been lucky, though: they've conceded five fewer goals than they should. It is not only Igor Akinfeev's skill. It is very difficult to give an assessment of Lokomotiv. The team seems to be performing below its own level. The railwaymen will definitely not fall below sixth place, but the departure from the Russian Cup was a blow. Still, Lokomotiv were expected to beat Rostov and fight for the trophy. The progress of young stars slowed down in the spring. In particular, Alexey Batrakov doesn't always play brilliant games. Perhaps, the team just lacks motivation. There is also uncertainty with the coach. Mikhail Galaktionov is finishing the season, but changes are possible in the summer. Lokomotiv, despite the negative background, managed to defeat Fakel in Voronezh. The team still have a chance to at least get ahead of Spartak - another motivation option. Zheleznodorozhniki's offence is down. By xG, the team has about an average of a goal per match. The team is playing as the advanced stats show. There is definitely no bad luck. Lokomotiv beat CSKA 1-0 in the first round, and a year ago the team had a six-goal thriller. Now we can expect a similar scenario. CSKA's main focus is now the Russian Cup. Lokomotiv closes the season at home - there is motivation to show bright football. Bookmakers give a base total of 2.5. That is, they do not expect a very productive game. You can argue with that. All the forwards play brightly. At Lokomotiv Batrakov is also motivated by chances in the scoring race.