The Matchday 8 fixture of the Russian Premier League between Akhmat and Lokomotiv will take place on September 13 at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Akhmat vs. Lokomotiv: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Akhmat
In the previous round, the team drew 1-1 away against Rostov. Grozny has remained unbeaten in four consecutive league matches (2 wins, 2 draws), although Stanislav Cherchesov's side has conceded in three of those games. Moreover, Akhmat has only managed one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League encounters. Due to dropped points in the last two rounds, the club has fallen to 11th in the standings. Nevertheless, they are among the top three most disciplined teams, averaging just 12 fouls per game.
- Grozny has scored in 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches.
- At home, Akhmat has not lost in 9 of their last 10 league matches (5 wins, 4 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 home Premier League games, the team has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Giorgi Shelia – Ousmane N'Dong, Maxim Sidorov, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nader Ghandri – Turpal-Ali Ibishev, Ismael Silva, Egas Cacintura, Maxim Samorodov, Lechi Sadulaev – Georgy Melkadze.
Midfielder Manuel Kelianu will miss the match due to a suspension from the previous round. The team has been bolstered by the additions of forward Anas El Mahraoui and midfielders Papa Amadi Gadio, Rifat Zhemaletdinov.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's side squandered a two-goal lead for the second consecutive round. However, the draw against Krylia Sovetov (2-2) allowed the Moscow club to match their unbeaten streak from the start of the 2021/22 season (4 wins, 3 draws). In 6 matches this season, the Railwaymen have scored at least twice, and Lokomotiv's scoring streak in the Premier League now stands at 13 matches. In the league table, the Moscow side occupies 4th place.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Lokomotiv's last 9 Premier League matches.
- The team has not lost in their last 6 away league matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Lokomotiv's last 6 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-4-2)
Ilya Lantratov – Alexander Silyanov, Maxim Nenakhov, Cesar Montes, Evgeny Morozov – Dmitry Barinov, Alexey Batrakov, Danil Prutsev, Zelimkhan Bakaev – Dmitry Vorobyov, Alexander Rudenko.
Forward Sergey Pinyaev is injured. Forward Nikolay Komlichenko is suspended.
Referee
Kirill Levnikov (Russia)
Matches – 23 (RPL, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 116;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 8;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 39%.
Akhmat vs. Lokomotiv: Match Prediction
Under Stanislav Cherchesov, Grozny has been consistently picking up points, but the team has yet to resolve their defensive issues. Akhmat has only kept one clean sheet this season, with only Sochi having fewer. Grozny has conceded in three consecutive Premier League matches, even against less formidable opponents, and they allow a significant number of chances at their goal. However, the team has also been scoring consistently, finding the net in 9 of their last 11 home Premier League matches.
Lokomotiv shares the title of the most prolific team in this season's championship with Krasnodar. The Railwaymen are also among the top three for converting goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Moscow side rarely settles for just one goal, scoring at least twice in 8 of their last 9 Premier League matches. However, the team's defense lacks reliability, managing a clean sheet only against Sochi in the RPL 2025/26 season, and they have conceded in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
