Lokomotiv Moscow-Spartak Nalchik
Football: Russian Premier League
Sunday, 17th October 2010. Kickoff 18:45 CET

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Lokomotiv Moscow

Lokomotiv celebrated season’s first victory on the road by beating financially troubled Saturn 0-1. Railway club is on a rise and the match vs. Spartak Nalchik is a direct battle for Europa League birth. Striker Sychev and key offensive midfielder Aliev return, whereas right winger Maicon is considered doubtful. Defensive midfielder Dmitry Tarasov is definitely out due to suspension and injury-prone Charles is again sidelined with fitness problems.

Sychev’s and Aliev’s come backs are a significant reinforcement for Lokomotiv’s offensive potential. Both were missed during the match vs. Saturn (0-1) where their team-mates were a dominant force, but always lacked the finishing touch. Aliev’s free-kicks will again be in Lokomotiv’s arsenal. Dmitry Tarasov’s suspension combined with Charles injury and earlier sale of Duimovic to Dynamo leaves Yury Semin short of second defensive midfielder. So whoever gets assigned to accompany Glushakov will have to play in an unusual position.

Spartak Nalchik

Match against Lokomotiv will determine Spartak’s European perspectives and seriousness of their ambitions. It looks as though they will battle for 5th position as other sides seem to show little interest. Spartak will be helped by the return of important center back Djudovic and regular goalkeeper Fredrikson. Montenegrin was suspended for the match vs. Zenit and Norwegian international had a minor injury. Unavailable list features regular right defender Filatov and midfielder Shanitsin.

Defensive reliability will be seriously improved in comparison to the last league fixture. Latvian veteran Kolinko did a good job while Fredrikson was on the treatment table, but Norwegian keeper commands more respect from team-mates, in my opinion, and has more confidence in his game. Montenegrin heroes Djudovic and Jovanovic, who were part of the team which held England to a goalless draw at Wembley, shall try to contain Lokomotiv’s pressure. Djudovic’s partner Vasin made a couple of horrible errors vs. Zenit and Yury Krasnozhan could decide to look for possible replacements. All in all visitors can rely on their full strength team to entertain Lokomotiv at Cherkizovo.
Expect Lokomotiv to play a very disciplined game. Since a month Semin’s team has visibly improved its’ defense with new center back duo Basa/Durica. So if the lead is taken they’ll try to hold on to it by slowing the match down.

Betting advice

Expect Lokomotiv to play a very disciplined game. Since a month Semin’s team has visibly improved its’ defense with new center back duo Basa/Durica. So if the lead is taken they’ll try to hold on to it by slowing the match down.

Spartak, on the other hand, never closes in their own half on the road and with a fully fit squad I doubt they’ll make an exception here. If Siradze becomes the victim of the internationals limit, it automatically means Krasnozhan has decided to use 4-5-1 formation, which can easily transform into 4-3-3 with Leandro and Gogua on the flanks.

My gut feeling says Lokomotiv will prevail in this match, perhaps, with a little help from referees. Odds around 1.90 on Loko’s straight win look fair enough.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Lokomotiv to win @ 1.90 with Bet365