Match Overview

The Russian Premier League (RPL) Matchday 6 fixture between Lokomotiv and Rostov is set for August 23 at the RZD Arena in Moscow. This comprehensive preview delves into the teams’ current form, key statistics, and offers a prediction along with odds for the encounter.

Lokomotiv: Recent Form and Key Statistics

Mikhail Galaktionov’s squad experienced their first dropped points of the current championship season in the previous round. Nevertheless, a 1-1 draw against Baltika extended their impressive unbeaten streak in the RPL to 11 matches, comprising 7 victories and 4 draws. It is worth noting, however, that in 8 of these encounters, the “Railwaymen” failed to keep a clean sheet. Despite this, the capital club maintains its top position in the league standings. Lokomotiv also shares the lead for the average number of shots on target, with 6.2 per game.

Lokomotiv’s Performance Trends

• At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the Moscow team’s last 7 Premier League matches.
• At their home ground, the team has remained undefeated in 12 of their last 13 championship games, securing 8 wins and 4 draws.
• Lokomotiv has scored at least twice in 5 of their last 7 home fixtures in the RPL.

Lokomotiv’s Anticipated Starting Lineup (4-4-2)

Anton Mitryushkin – Aleksandr Silyanov, Maksim Nenakhov, Cesar Montes, Evgeni Morozov – Dmitri Barinov, Aleksey Batrakov, Artem Karpukas, Zelimkhan Bakaev – Dmitri Vorobyov, Aleksandr Rudenko.

Team News: Lokomotiv

Defender Ilya Samoshnikov has transferred to Spartak.

Rostov: Recent Form and Key Statistics

Rostov suffered an away defeat to Rubin (0-1) in their most recent fixture. This loss marked their sixth in the last eight championship matches, with only one win and one draw during this period. However, it’s important to note that Jonathan Alba’s side conceded more than one goal in only two of these eight games. In the last round, Rostov managed only 1 corner kick, the lowest tally among all teams. In the overall league standings, the club has slipped to 14th place.

Rostov’s Performance Trends

• Rostov conceded the first goal in 7 of their last 9 Premier League matches.
• The team is currently on a 6-match winless streak away from home in the RPL, with 2 draws and 4 losses.
• They have found the net against their upcoming opponent in 8 of their last 9 head-to-head encounters in the championship.

Rostov’s Anticipated Starting Lineup (4-3-3)

Rustam Yatimov – Umar Sako, Viktor Melekhin, Ilya Vakhania, Andrey Langovich – Konstantin Kuchaev, Aleksey Mironov, Daniil Shantaliy – Egor Golenkov, Ronaldo, Timur Suleymanov.

Team News: Rostov

Defenders Eyad El-Askalani and Dmitri Chistyakov are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Match Official: Sergei Cheban

Sergei Cheban (Russia) will officiate this match.

Referee Statistics (RPL, 2024/25 – 2025/26)

• Matches officiated: 9
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 31
• Average yellow cards per match: 3.4
• Red cards shown: 1
• Average fouls per match: 28
• Penalties awarded: 22%

Lokomotiv vs Rostov: Match Prediction

The “Railwaymen” recently dropped their first points of the season, yet they remain on a trajectory reminiscent of their championship-winning campaign in 2017-18. It’s also important to consider the caliber of their last opponent, Baltika, who are currently performing exceptionally well. In contrast, Lokomotiv’s upcoming rival, Rostov, has had a challenging start to the tournament. The southerners have only managed to defeat Pari NN, a team currently in the relegation zone, in the current championship. Furthermore, this solitary victory was secured at home, while Rostov has lost all three of its away matches in the 2025-26 RPL season.

Lokomotiv also saw their six-match scoring streak of at least two goals in the Premier League come to an end, but breaching Kaliningrad’s defense is a formidable task. Conversely, the “Railwaymen” have netted 13 goals in their last five home league fixtures. Rostov, who concede regularly, are unlikely to be able to contain such an offensive force.

It is also noteworthy that Lokomotiv has avoided defeat against Rostov in 5 of their last 6 head-to-head encounters in the RPL, with at least two goals scored in 4 of these matches. Considering the current form of both teams, a similar outcome is anticipated for this game. My prediction is: Lokomotiv to win or draw and Over 1.5 Goals with odds of 1.45

Author

Aleksey Tarabrin