FK Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow Prediction and Betting Preview, 15 Mar 2020

Here's our FK Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow Prediction analysis:

On Sunday afternoon, Rostov host Lokomotiv Moscow at the Rostov Arena, in what is a massive game in the race for European qualification in the Russian Premier League.

Match status: 2019-20 RPL - Round 22
Kick-off: Sunday 15 Mar 2020, 05:00pm CET
 Venue: Rostov Arena (Rostov)

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Rostov are currently third in the table, which means they are in the Champions League qualifier position. However, the home side are only ahead of the visitors by virtue of superior goal difference. It is a tight fight for the European spots. With nine league games left, the pair are also nine points behind league leaders Zenit at the top of the table.

The home side has played just two games since the winter break. However, they are unbeaten in four matches in the Russian top-flight. Last time out, Rostov recorded a potentially vital 3-2 victory over CSKA Moscow.

The victory means that Valeriy Karpin’s team has now won six of their last eight league games in the Russian Premier League.

They have also scored at least twice in five of their last seven matches on home soil. Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov has been in good form this season firing home 11 goals in 21 league appearances.

These two teams are neck and neck in the league. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that we are predicting a low-scoring draw in this fixture.

Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow Team News

After a 9th placed finish last term, Rostov have vastly improved this campaign and a return to the European stage looks well on the cards. After 21 games, the side have 38 points to their name, putting themselves 3rd and at present; on course for Champions League football.

Nonetheless, Rostov need to sustain their form in the remaining 9 matches and winning Sunday’s game is of big importance, given it’s against a direct rival who they only lead courtesy of goal difference.

Nonetheless, having won 7 of their 10-home league matches this term, confidence can be high going into the clash and those taking to the pitch will be hopeful of securing all 3 points.

Meanwhile, after a 2nd placed finish last season, Lokomotiv once again find themselves at the right end of the table and will be itching to secure European football.

Level on goal difference with their opponents, this is a big game for the visitors as they look to leapfrog them into the final Champions League slot.

Nonetheless, the away side aren’t in the best of form and that has to be a worry coming into the trip. Indeed, Lokomotiv have won just 1 of their last 4 league matches, putting in some concerning performances that have seen them lose to Dinamo Moscow and Arsenal Tula along the way.

Lokomotiv Moscow ended a three-game winless league run that dated to behind the winter break by recording a 1-0 win over bottom club Akhmat Grozny last time out.

The visitors have been inconsistent on their travels in the top-flight of late, as they have won just once in their last four matches on their travels. However, Loko have been difficult to beat on the road, having suffered defeat just once in their last ten away matches.

Injured or Suspended Players

Rostov: Egor Baburin, Aleksey Ionov, Arseni Logashov and Dmitri Chistyakov.

Lokomotiv Moscow: Boris Rotenberg, Luka Djordjevic, Mikhail Lysov and Anton Miranchuk.

Pre-Match Odds

Rostov: 2.4
Draw: 3.36
Lokomotiv Moscow: 3.3

All odds are with 1xBet and are subject to change.
All odds are for FK Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow Predictions with 1xBet and are subject to change.

FK Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow Predictions

Ultimately, whilst both teams are of comparable quality and have the same amount of points, it’s Rostov who have to be fancied on Sunday. They are unbeaten in 4 league matches and typically excellent as hosts, they should be capable of getting the better of a Lokomotiv outfit that hasn’t been impressive of late.

All things considered, backing a home win looks the best way to play as far as the betting is concerned and is something we’re more than happy to do. Rostov won the earlier league meeting between the two and we fancy them to complete a double over the visitors.