Spartak Moscow — Lokomotiv Moscow : Match Preview and Prediction for November 06,2025

Spartak failed another crucial test, and it appears Dejan Stanković’s tenure at the helm of the Red-Whites is steadily losing its resilience. Whispers suggest a potential replacement for the Serbian coach during the winter break, but the team still needs to navigate the period leading up to it.Currently, the Muscovites suffered a 1-2 defeat to Krasnodar, managing to pull one goal back late in the game through substitute Livai Garcia. Nevertheless, the loss was deserved, as Spartak simply played below the reigning champions. The RPL leaders are pulling further ahead, indicating that a significant personnel decision is likely brewing within the home side’s management. It remains to be seen how the team will react to this in the two-legged cup clash against Lokomotiv. However, this home fixture against the ‘Railwaymen’ presents an opportunity for some kind of reset. Apart from Babić, everyone is available for selection. However, Srđan’s ruptured ACL has disrupted the defensive balance and parity, making the backline, featuring Wu, Djiku, Litvinov, and the young Guziev, appear less than reliable.

Lokomotiv finally became the last team to lose their undefeated status as the first half of the championship concludes. Batrakov and his squad generally looked inferior to Zenit in Saint Petersburg and deserved their 0-2 defeat. The derby against Spartak offers a chance for a cup reset, especially given Galaktionov’s squad depth presents no issues.The team plays with flair and in an attacking style, though they aren’t always defensively sound. The intensity of the derby will add extra spice to this cup encounter at the Lukoil Arena. For Lokomotiv, no one will miss the match against the Red-Whites, and Montes will return to action after his card suspension.