Spartak Moscow v Lokomotiv Moscow
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Sunday, 18th October 2009 - 12:00

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Spartak Moscow(2nd)

Spartak is now within a point from leaders Rubin, who once again lost ground in their race for the title. About one and a half months ago after their head to head meeting it looked as though reigning champions were guaranteed to hold their crown – but the Champions’ League battles amended the scenario.

A run of unconvincing displays was ended in the game against Tom’ and was followed in Perm’, where local Amkar had to surrender to a 1-2 defeat. Hosts took the lead in the first half through Martin Kushev, but Spartak kept on pressing the opposition and got their deserved goals in the second 45 minutes. Welliton and Fathi got on the scoresheet.

A significant moment is that Red-Whites were playing without two main central defenders: Jiranek and Stranzl.

Brazilian midfielder Ibson is back in training with the main squad and should start at the bench. Martin Stranzl, though, is still not fit to play. Sergey Kovalciuk is suspended for the third time this season.

Lokomotiv Moscow (5th)

Lokomotiv resumed producing victories after a set back in Grozniy. A very important head to head fixture against Rubin at the Cherkizovo stadium was won 2-1.

Peter Odemvingie scored a double in the first half and Lokomotiv switched to their favorite defensive game of retaining the current lead.

Despite a seemingly impressive result against Premier League’s leaders, Railway boys are still lacking efficiency up front. Yury Semin had to send Glushakov to the attacking midfielder position in an attempt to bring back the lost creativity.

Obviously Lokomotiv fans have to count on Wagner’s return from injury and hope the Brazilian newcomer can light up the combination play.

Lokomotiv has become a bogey opponent for Spartak in recent years. The last time Railway boys lost to their city neighbors was back in 2006/07 season. First meeting of they season in Cherkizovo was won 2-1.

Betting advice

There are two important factors to consider here.

First : Tthere is no favorite in this game. Somehow bookies suppose the opposite.

Second : Loko is a bogey team for Spartak in recent years. Although every streak has to end some day.

As a conclusion - value is with Loko @ +0.25. Hence, I suggest we take it.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Lokomotiv (+0.25) @ 1.84 with Ladbrokes