South versus north in Russia’s top flight
These two sides are regular challengers for European places. The bookmakers make the home team the favourites at 2.50, but they will fancy Lokomotiv to hold their own at 3.50 according to the latest FK Krasnodar vs FK Lokomotiv Moscow odds.
Both sides start this new Premier League campaign on 0 points, but the hosts are 6th and the visitors are 11th based on the rankings they were given in preseason. The FK Krasnodar vs FK Lokomotiv Moscow preview highlights just how crucial these sort of games are when it comes to league placing and will be approached with that in mind.
Krasnodar boss Murad Musayev has honed his side’s technical, attacking identity since taking charge in March 2024, while his opposite number, Mikhail Galaktionov, has had a little longer to impress his pragmatic ideas upon Lokomotiv Moscow, making adjustments since his appointment in November 2022.
Krasnodar’s creativity could be key
Krasnodar will set the pace in this clash as they are a possession-based team that will look to control proceedings through patient build-up. The host’s centre-back, Sergei Petrov, is a key figure in the build-up play and acts as a leader in the back four, while midfielder Kady Borges’ creativity can unlock defences with a through ball.
Lokomotiv Moscow are a structured, counter-punching side that will frustrate the Krasnodar build-up and look to hit on the break.
In the previous head-to-head the result was 0-0 7 months ago at this venue, so there is a feeling that this one could be much closer. Our FK Krasnodar vs FK Lokomotiv Moscow prediction suggests Lokomotiv Moscow’s recent away record against Krasnodar will be a concern for them on Saturday, but this should be a close encounter.
Both teams to score is a good wager
Both of these teams have been in fine goalscoring form recently and FK Krasnodar vs FK Lokomotiv Moscow betting tips indicate that the odds on both of these sides getting on the scoresheet on Saturday make sense at 1.51.
The game could be close but Krasnodar have a much better record in this matchup and the form of Jhon Cordoba makes them a better bet to edge it.
Jhon Cordoba is a clinical finisher of chance and can be a danger in the penalty area, so he looks the most likely man to get on the score sheet.
Dmitri Vorobyov is in a similar purple patch for Lokomotiv with half of his team’s last 5 in all competitions going in and he will be Moscow’s main weapon going into this contest.
A tightly fought clash is expected, but FK Krasnodar vs FK Lokomotiv Moscow prediction is that Lokomotiv’s away form and Krasnodar’s superior attacking style and home record just edge it in favour of the favourite.
