Rostov - Lokomotiv Moscow predictions and free betting tips [30/08/2023]

The concluding match of the 3rd tour in the group stage of the Russian Cup Path RPL. This game unfolds in Rostov-on-Don where Valeri Karpin's charges are to face off with the Moscow-based "Lokomotiv".

"Rostov" (Rostov-on-Don)

Mir-RPL "Rostov" in the previous season secured their 4th position, managing to go behind only the big three eternal grands of Russian football. The season of 2023-2024 has started off on a high note for "Rostov". Under Karpin's leadership, the team beat "Fakel", kicked off the group stage of the Russian Cup with a victory against "Rubin", and denied "Zenit" the opportunity for a second consecutive win to take away 3 points from Rostov-on-Don.

However, in recent matches, things have not been as smooth. In the past 5 official matches, "Rostov" secured victory only once, besting "Rubin" comprehensively in a home game with a score of 3:0. In three other matches of the championship, "Rostov" lost to "Pari NN", "Krylya Sovetov" and FC "Sochi" with a total scoreline of 10:1, ending up in 10th place by the end of the 6th tour. "Rostov" gained 3 points from 2 matches in the Russian Cup. The previous season's "wooden medalist" beat "Rubin" but lost to "Ural".

"Lokomotiv" (Moscow)

The spring part of the last season Mir-RPL revitalised "Lokomotiv's" fanbase's faith in their team. Going into the current season, devotees of the "railway men" harbored ambitions of a championship campaign. However, after 7 match days, Lokomotiv's position in the tournament table does not quite align with the fan's championship aspirations. Mikhail Galaktionov's side registers in the 8th position after 7 rounds, winning just 2 matches. "Lokomotiv" bested FC "Sochi" and Voronezh's "Fakel". Their only loss came against CSKA while they played draws three times. The red-green team gathered a point each from games against "Krylya Sovetov", "Krasnodar" and "Rubin". Although they didn't lose to the tournament leader, the results aren't championship-worthy. In the Russian Cup, however, "Lokomotiv" sits at the head of its group, defeating "Rubin" and "Ural" with a goal margin.

Head-to-Head

In their past 5 meetings, "Lokomotiv" and "Rostov", Karpin's side came out the stronger of the two. "Rostov" stacked up 3 victories, while "Lokomotiv" secured only a lone triumph. They also had a match which ended in a 2:2 stalemate.

Prediction

Expect "Rostov" to come out victorious. Karpin's side has demonstrated character, and can step up in trying times as it faces now. The yellow-blues have lost 2 matches in succession, and a home victory against a formidable opponent will invigorate the team and instill a sense of confidence.