Dynamo Moscow v Lokomotiv Moscow
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 21st November 2009. Kickoff 12:00

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Dynamo Moscow(8th) HOME 6-3-5 12:13

Dynamo celebrated their 5th away victory of the season and became only the second team behind Lokomotiv to beat Spartak Nalchik in the last 2 months. Reunion of all key players has made a visible impact on the overall performance and Andrey Kobelev is looking forward to building on the previous victory.

Dmitry Gabulov had to miss the match against Spartak due to a flu infection, which the Russian goalkeeper has successfully cured. Andrey Kobelev will obviously decide to stick to the winning line-up, with the exception of Shunin being dropped to the bench for the available Gabulov. European cup zone is out of reach, but ongoing rumors about new sponsorship deal with VTB should serve as a good motto.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
Kombarov brothers reunited in Nalchik and were the main creators of all 4 goals scored by Dynamo. More of the same is expected in the upcoming match, ball will be flying into the penalty area from the wings.

Unlike their opponents Dynamo is relaxed and not pressured by the tournament situation. It could well be either a positive or a negative moment in the fixture.

Last match analysis Spartak Nalchik-Dynamo Moscow 2-4
Visitors probably scored one of the fastest goals of the season when Adrian Ropotan rifled a bullet from outside the penalty area to put Dynamo ahead. Alexandr Kerzhakov doubled the lead on the 13th minute with a wonderful one-touch shot after Kirill Kombarov’s cross found him unmarked.

Spartak were shell-shocked for about half an hour, but began to show signs of improvement later in the half and logically pulled one back through Rustam Kalimullin. Second period however saw Spartak suffer physically and allow Dynamo to make the score 1-4 by the 75th minute and Ricardo Lago score a 2nd goal for hosts.

Dynamo produced one of the best games in recent months and the main reason behind the triumph was the return of Alexandr Kerzhakov and Kombarov brothers to the starting line up. Andrey Kobelev also introduced another youth system product who took the right back position instead of Marcin Kowalczyk. Aguiar and Ropotan, two competitors for the defensive midfielder position, played a half a piece.

Lokomotiv Moscow (4th) AWAY 3-4-6 12:19

Lokomotiv earned a crucial last-minute victory against Amkar in Moscow to keep within the race for the Champions’ League spot. 3rd place is 2 points away and Railway boys are definitely aware that in case of a win today – they will stand a good chance of pushing Zenit aside as Khimki is their last destination a week later. Dmitry Sychev is suspended, though, together with defensive midfielder Charles.

Sychev’s absence is a huge blow as the in-form captain has been an irreplaceable figure for Lokomotiv this Autumn. Having no equal substitute on the bench, Semin will send Odemvingie to the edge and ask Gatagov to cover the right midfield flank. Charles suspension is not an issue as Tomislav Duimovic is back from disqualification to combine with Glushakov.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
Possession attacking has been one of the weakest points for Lokomotiv recently and they should be glad to give the ball away to Dynamo. Fast breaks come easier for Semin’s men as pshysically they’ve been looking second to none in Russia.

Lack of quality in the combination department is occasionally being compensated through great will and spirit. And the last gasp victory against Amkar was another confidence booster for Loko.

Last match analysis Lokomotiv Moscow-Amkar Perm 1-0
A truly dramatic match did not promise anything alike for 3/4 of the game. Amkar showed its’ intention to play for another goalless draw and sat down in defense with visible comfort. Lokomotiv on the other hand did a lot of passing around opponents’ penalty area, but time and time again their moves were too obvious in the closing stages.

Games culmination point happened on the 84th minute of the match when Loko’s agony was awarded with a penalty shot. Usminsky kept out Sychev’s straight forward attempt. However a last-second free-kick gave Loko striker a second chance, which he bulleted into the net.

Lokomotiv played out a very emotional, but mostly raw match. Attacking moves were absolutely dismal and pathetic at times. Despite seeing that Amkar’s defense has no trouble intercepting numerous crosses into the box – hosts continued holding the same line. Lokomotiv deserves credit for desire and determination, but if this aspect worked against weaker opponent – it might not be enough on another day.

Betting advice

Given the market odds, the value is on Dynamo Moscow in this match. Lokomotiv is without Dmitry Sychev who has been single handedly leading them to victories in the last month and their overall game quality is not equal to the position they are in now.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Dynamo Moscow (+0.5) @ 1.57 with Bet365