Match Overview and Betting Forecast

The 3rd round match of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Lokomotiv and Akron is scheduled for August 28 at the RZD Arena in Moscow. This comprehensive preview provides a forecast, betting odds analysis, and key statistics for the Lokomotiv vs Akron encounter.

Lokomotiv’s Recent Performance and Form

Mikhail Galaktionov’s side secured a confident 2:0 home victory against Baltika in the previous round. The “Railwaymen” have demonstrated strong form in the Russian Cup, winning 9 of their last 13 matches (1 draw, 3 losses). However, prior to their clash with Kaliningrad, the Muscovites had a streak of conceding goals in 9 consecutive tournament games. Despite this defensive lapse, Lokomotiv consistently displays high offensive productivity, scoring at least two goals in 9 of their last 12 national Cup outings. Currently, Lokomotiv occupies the 3rd position in Group D, trailing the Togliatti club by 2 points.

Key Statistics for Lokomotiv

• Both teams have found the net in 7 of Lokomotiv’s last 10 Russian Cup fixtures.
• Playing on home soil, the team has triumphed in 5 of their last 7 matches in this competition (with 2 losses).
• Lokomotiv has maintained a solid defense at home, not conceding more than one goal in 13 of their last 14 national Cup home games.

Lokomotiv’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-5-1)*

Ilya Lantratov – Cristian Ramirez, Gerzino Nyamsi, Egor Pogostnov, Lucas Fasson – Dmitry Barinov, Artem Karpukas, Maxim Nenakhov, Alexey Batrakov, Zelimkhan Bakaev – Nikolay Komlichenko.

Forward Sergey Pinyaev is currently sidelined due to injury.

Akron’s Form and Tactical Approach

Akron achieved a notable home victory over CSKA (1:1, 5:4 on penalties) in the last round. This draw after regular time marked the first instance in Akron’s last 7 Russian Cup matches (3 wins, 3 losses) where they ended level. It’s worth noting that Akron has managed to keep a clean sheet in only one of their previous six tournament matches, though their scoring run extends to 4 consecutive games. With 5 points accumulated, Zaur Tedeev’s squad currently leads Group D.

Key Statistics for Akron

• A maximum of three goals were scored in 7 of Akron’s last 9 national Cup matches.
• When playing away, the club has avoided defeat in 6 of their last 8 Russian Cup games (4 wins, 2 draws).
• Akron has conceded no more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 matches in this tournament.

Akron’s Predicted Starting Lineup (3-4-3)*

Alexander Vasyutin – Denis Popenkov, Ionut Nedelcearu, Rodrigo Eschoval – Nikita Shershov, Maxim Kuzmin, Konstantin Maradishvili, Soltmurad Bakaev – Benshimol, Arseniy Dmitriev, Nikita Bazilevsky.

Midfielder Khetag Khosonov and forward Benshimol are currently nursing injuries.

The Referee: Yuri Karpov

Yuri Karpov (Russia) will be officiating this match.

Referee’s Statistical Overview

Matches officiated – 5 (Russian Cup, 2021/22 – 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second cautions) – 15;

Average yellow cards per match – 3;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 27;

Penalties awarded – 20%.

Lokomotiv vs Akron: Expert Match Prediction

The “Railwaymen” have enjoyed an excellent start to the season. Mikhail Galaktionov’s squad has avoided defeat in 7 of their 8 matches (5 wins, 2 draws), with their sole loss in the Russian Cup coming away from home against CSKA. On their home ground in this tournament, Lokomotiv has emerged victorious in 5 of their last 7 encounters. The Muscovites’ goal-scoring achievements are particularly impressive: Lokomotiv ranks second in goals scored in the RPL 2025/26, and in the national Cup, they have netted at least two goals in 9 of their last 12 games.

Akron, on the other hand, has not managed a win in their last 5 official matches (3 draws, 2 losses), yet they have consistently found the back of the net in all games during this period. Akron generally faces no issues with goal-scoring, having scored in 15 consecutive matches across the RPL and Russian Cup. I anticipate that the club will create opportunities to breach Lokomotiv’s defense, especially considering Lokomotiv has conceded in 4 of their last 5 home national Cup games. However, it’s improbable that this will be enough for Akron to secure a positive outcome, as they have only managed to defeat a Premier League representative once away from home in this particular tournament.

Final Betting Tip for the Match

My prediction: “Lokomotiv will not lose and Total Goals Over 2.5” with odds of 1.85.

Author: Aleksey Tarabrin

* For each team, the starting lineup from their most recent match in this tournament is specified.