The semi-final match of the second stage of the Regions Path for the FONBET Russian Cup 2024/25 between Lokomotiv and Rostov will take place on April 27 at the RZD Arena in Moscow. Lokomotiv vs. Rostov: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's team defeated Akhmat 2-1 in the previous round. As a result, Lokomotiv secured their eighth victory in regular time in the current edition of the national Cup. However, the Moscow side failed to keep a clean sheet for the seventh consecutive match in this tournament. Notably, Lokomotiv has scored the most goals (23) in the current Russian Cup.
- The team has won in regular time in 7 of their last 9 home matches in the Russian Cup.
- The club has scored at least twice in 90 minutes in 6 of their last 9 home matches in this tournament.
- The Moscow side has not conceded in the first 45 minutes in 7 of their last 8 home games in the national Cup.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-5-1)
Anton Mitryushkin – Cesar Montes, Egor Pogostnov, Ilya Samoshnikov, Alexander Silyanov – Danila Godiaev, Alexey Batrakov, Dmitry Barinov, Sergey Pinyaev, Vadim Rakov – Dmitry Vorobyev.
Midfielder Alexey Batrakov and forward Vadim Rakov are suspended for this match.
Rostov
Jonathan Alba's side reached this round after being eliminated from the RPL Path by Zenit in a two-legged tie (0-1, 0-2). Before facing the St. Petersburg team, Rostov had a seven-match unbeaten run in regular time in this tournament (5 wins, 2 draws). It is also worth noting that the team failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 of their last 12 matches in the Russian Cup. Additionally, Rostov's scoring record is not impressive – with 14 goals in the current national Cup, they are only ahead of CSKA (13) among the teams still in the tournament.
- The team has not won in regular time in 9 of their last 12 away matches in the national Cup (4 draws, 5 losses).
- At least one team has failed to score in 90 minutes in 6 of the club's last 8 away matches in this tournament.
- No more than two goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Rostov's last 8 away matches in the Russian Cup.
Predicted lineup for Rostov (4-3-3)
Rustam Yatimov – Daniil Shantaliy, Maxim Osipenko, Viktor Melyokhin, Ilya Vakhania – Konstantin Kuchaev, Ivan Komarov, Alexey Sutormin – Ronaldo, Nikolay Komlichenko, Egor Golenkov.
Forward Mohammad Mohebi will miss the game due to injury. Additionally, goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov's participation is in doubt.
Referee
Vladimir Moskalev (Russia)
Matches – 5 (Russian Cup, 2023/24 - 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 20%.
Lokomotiv vs. Rostov: Match Prediction
Rostov will find it challenging in this encounter – their opponent is formidable at home. In the last nine home matches in the national Cup, Lokomotiv has lost in regular time only once, winning seven times in 90 minutes. Additionally, in the last two editions of this tournament, the teams have met once at Lokomotiv's ground, with Mikhail Galaktionov's side emerging victorious on both occasions (3-1 and 1-0).
Rostov struggles with away matches: in the last 20 away games in the Russian Cup, they have won in regular time only four times. In three of those victories, Rostov faced relatively weaker opponents: Pari NN, Ural, and Orenburg. Moreover, in 6 of their last 7 away matches against Moscow teams in this tournament, Rostov has suffered defeats in 90 minutes.
I believe the hosts will handle Jonathan Alba's team on their home turf. My prediction: Lokomotiv Victory
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
