Lokomotiv Moscow-Terek Grozny
Football: Russian Premier League
Sunday, 26th September 2010. Kickoff 18:15 CET

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Lokomotiv Moscow

Battle for 7th spot as Lokomotiv cross swords with Terek. Certain speculations are starting to surround this fixture, but I will not make emphasis on them. Let’s just say that Terek at home and Terek on the road – are two different teams. And Lokomotiv’s manager Yury Semin is well-known for his warm-relations with referees. From football point of view, hosts welcome back right winger Maicon, who returns from suspension. Asatiani continues to serve his time on the sidelines after being handed a 4 match ban.

For the first time in quite a while Lokomotiv is completely injury-free. Team lacks consistency under Yury Semin, although overall they’ve improved in recent weeks. Narrow 1-0 victory over CSKA put a start to their uptrend, so with a favorable schedule in the closing stage of the season, Lokomotiv is still in contention for finishing inside top 5.

Although Maicon is available again, he might find himself on the bench as Alan Gatagov impressed against Tom’ a week ago. Scorer of Lokomotiv’s single goal will likely start on the left flank again with Alexandr Aliev being redirected to the unfamiliar right wing. Semin’s experiment with introduction of Jan Durica for Rodolfo in the center of defense did not quite work out, so the charismatic Brazilian should re-unite with Marco Basa.

Terek Grozny

Many specialists believe that is not interested in European cups. At least for the time being. Indeed, regardless of team's quality game and relatively promising position in the table – no one takes them into consideration and club representatives don't even hint about fighting for a place in Europa League. This, of course, is a very interesting point to consider if you’re betting on games involving Terek. Anatoly Baidachniy's team almost became the first team to beat Zenit after Premier League leaders were held to a goalless draw in Grozny. Terek is traditionally free of injuries, if not to take center back Vasin into consideration.

No injuries and suspensions – means Terek's starting line up will look almost exactly the same as against Zenit. I personally expect to see center forward Hector Bracamonte come back instead of midfielder Andrey Kobenko. Argentinean is very useful defensively and works all around the pitch. Moreover his aerial presence can't be underrated. Blago Georgiev, important Bulgarian offensive winger, made a highly anticipated come-back against Zenit and should be the man to watch for Lokomotiv defenders.

Terek's main metamorphose is correspondence of home games vs. away games. For some reason, they can't play on the road as disciplined as they do in Grozny.

In terms of formation, as I've mentioned before, it should be switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2.

Betting advice

When I used to be more romantic, I would've taken Terek here without a shadow of a doubt. Because they play football, unlike Lokomotiv.

But cruel reality tips me to back Lokomotiv. Railway Boys have won on all 3 occasions when these sides met in Moscow. Moreover they’re yet to concede a goal from Terek.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Lokomotiv to win @ 1.72 with Bet365 (main bet)