The Matchday 23 clash in the MIR Russian Premier League between Lokomotiv and Zenit will take place on April 5 at the RZD Arena in Moscow. Lokomotiv vs. Zenit: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's team suffered a heavy 1-5 away defeat to Krylia Sovetov in the previous round. This marks Lokomotiv's third major loss this season in the RPL, and the first time since 2022 that they've lost by more than three goals in the Premier League. Additionally, the club has not scored more than one goal in their last six league matches. In the standings, the Moscow side has dropped to sixth place. With 40 points, the "Railroaders" are four points behind the top three.
- The team has not lost in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the RPL (5 wins, 1 draw).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Lokomotiv's last 7 home league games.
- The Moscow side scored exactly one or two goals in their last six home Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-5-1)
Ilya Lantratov – Maksim Nenakhov, Lucas Fasson, Gerzino Nyamsi, Alexander Silyanov – Ilya Samoshnikov, Alexey Batrakov, Nair Tiknizyan, Artem Karpukas, Artem Timofeev – Dmitry Vorobyev.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's side convincingly defeated Rubin 4-0 at home in the last round. As a result, Zenit secured only their second victory in the last six league matches (1 draw, 3 losses). Notably, this was the sixth time this season that Zenit won by a large margin in the RPL. Thanks to this victory, the St. Petersburg team accumulated 46 points, surpassing Spartak in the standings and moving up to second place. Zenit has been performing confidently away this season, securing the most wins (8) and leading in goals scored (24).
- The team has won 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Premier League.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of Zenit's last 9 away RPL matches.
- Zenit has conceded no more than one goal in 15 of their last 17 away league games.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev will miss the match due to injury. Midfielder Gustavo Mantuan is suspended.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Evgeny Latyshonok – Gustavo Mantuan, Strahinja Erakovic, Nino, Douglas Santos – Pedro Enrique, Maksim Glushenkov, Wilmar Barrios, Luis Enrique, Wendel – Alexander Sobolev.
Referee
Artem Chistyakov (Russia)
Matches – 12 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 50%.
Lokomotiv vs. Zenit: Match Prediction
Supported by their fans, Mikhail Galaktionov's side tends to play openly, focusing more on attacking play. Scoring goals is rarely an issue for Lokomotiv: in their last 20 home league matches, they failed to breach the opponent's defense only once – against Krasnodar. Moreover, in 12 of those games, the Moscow side scored at least two goals. However, in 7 of their last 9 home games, Lokomotiv failed to keep a clean sheet.
Zenit also rarely struggles in attack, and even away from home, Sergei Semak's team plays effectively. In 12 of their last 13 away Premier League matches, Zenit scored, and in five instances, they netted at least three goals.
I expect both teams to showcase their attacking prowess in this match, anticipating a goal exchange, which has also been recorded in the last three head-to-head encounters at Lokomotiv's ground in the RPL. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
