Lokomotiv Moscow have lined up some serious tests during their summer break with back to back clashes against strong Moscow sides Spartak and CSKA. These games will give fans a real feel of what the team can deliver in the new campaign after a tough spring run last season that still ended with a third place finish. The side had hoped to challenge for the title alongside Zenit and Krasnodar but fell short on that front despite early winter ambitions. On the transfer front things look mixed with key leaders staying put for now yet contract extensions proving hard to secure which leaves a risk of losing them for free next year without funds to rebuild properly.
Team Form
CSKA are heading into the new season under Dmitry Igdisamov who stepped in for Fabio Celestini in the final rounds of the league and immediately made an impact by beating Lokomotiv three goals to one. The two clubs share plenty of history with winter moves like captain Dmitry Barinov shifting from Lokomotiv to CSKA and spring talks about bringing in coach Mikhail Galaktionov. Right now there is also strong interest from CSKA in signing Lokomotiv striker Dmitry Vorobyov which adds extra spice to these friendlies.
- Lokomotiv finished third last season but struggled in the spring phase
- CSKA won their last league meeting against Lokomotiv by three goals to one
- Both squads have seen little change during the short summer break
- Key players remain but long term contract issues could affect squad depth
Tactical Analysis
These pre season matches between Lokomotiv and CSKA are set to produce an open and attacking style of play even though they are only friendlies. With both teams closing out last season in similar fashion and little squad turnover expected fans should see plenty of goal mouth action. The overlap in personnel and recent results suggest the sides know each other well which could lead to high tempo exchanges rather than cagey affairs.
Betting Proposal
Given the attacking nature of both sides and their recent meetings the smart move is to back a high scoring game. Lokomotiv and CSKA to score three goals or more at odds of 1.60 looks the value pick here. The short break has not altered the teams much so expect the same lively approach that delivered goals in their last outing.
Overall these friendlies offer a good window into the ambitions of both clubs as they prepare for the new Russian season with Lokomotiv aiming to build on third place while CSKA look to push higher under their new coach. The personal connections between the squads add extra motivation which should keep the games entertaining from start to finish.
