Lokomotiv Moscow v Rostov
Football: Russian Premier League
Sunday, 1st August 2010. Kickoff 19:00

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Sides which are seperated by only 2 positions in the table cross swords on Sunday evening in smog-covered Moscow. I am honestly a bit dazzled by odds disposition where Lokomotiv Moscow is made such a huge favorite to come out on top. If any of you followed Russian Premier league closely enough in the nearest months – you’d understand what I’m pointing at.

Lokomotiv, the big powerful Russian Railway club, spent lots of Euros on high-profile transfers during pre-season and previous seasons, on that note, as well. Despite the generous investments they are yet to start paying off. Lokomotiv is standing in its depot while 50% of the public is expecting them to finally depart and the other half is pessimistically considers the opposite.

Perhaps there’s been just 1 or 2 games where the team played at 70% from its full potential, other fixtures was just a pain to watch for any Lokomotiv supporter. The list of reasons behind continuous failures is endless.

Lokomotiv usually crawls out thanks to Alexandr Aliev set-pieces. He is indeed one of the best free-kick takers that I have ever seen in action. Juninho Pernambucano would’ve nervously smoked in the sidelines if he saw Aliev’s cannon balls. The inspirational midfielder is leading the top-scorer chart with 12 goals.

The latest double was added a week ago in Novosibirsk where Lokomotiv was leading 0-2 at the half-time and eventually succumbed to a 2-2 draw. No signs of normal football were shown by the visitors as Aliev’s free-kicks did the business once again.

And now along comes Rostov, a peculiar side with controversial Oleg Protasov in charge. Southern outfit bought around a dozen of new players before the start of the season to satisfy Protasov’s demands. Now the promising manager is slowly building a competitive side which would compete for a place in European cups, if the chance comes along.

So far Rostov has proved itself as the most uncompromising team in the league with just 1 draw in 14 fixtures. The other side of this record is, of course, their inconsistency. On a good day they can give a hard time to any opponent, but then again easily give the match away against some mediocre team.

Betting advice

Both sides are almost injury free. Stanislav Ivanov, defensive midfielder, is sidelined for the visitors with Lokomotiv set to miss Charles. Neither of the two can be considered a significant loss.

Obviously value is on away side. Taking into account Lokomotiv's ongoing troubles on and off the pitch, I don't see why we shouldn't go against the bookies and take Rostov with (+1) handicap.

For those brave guys out there - you can even put some cents on Rostov's straight victory offered at generous 6.50. Protasov's team enters the pitch to play football and win regardless of who they're up against.

Finally, the over 2.25 goal line is also valuable if we consider that Lokomotiv has scored at least 2 in last 2 fixtures, whereas Rostov has conceded 6.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Rostov to win @ 6.50 with Bet365;

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Rostov (+1) @ 1.82 with Bet365; (main bet)
Take Over 2.25 @ 1.75 with Bet365;