Lokomotiv Moscow vs CSKA Moscow Betting Tip Under 2.5 goals – 16 July 2020

Close game expected in Moscow derby

Alexei Miranchuk / Lokomotiv Moscow's ©imago images / ITAR-TASS 07/08/2020

Russian FederationLokomotiv Moscow vs CSKA MosvowRussian Federation
16 July 1830hrs
Football – Russia – Premier League
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 4/6 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 15 July

The battle for the second Champions League spot is the focus on Thursday as second placed Lokomotiv host CSKA in fourth spot in a huge Moscow derby.

Bet at Betfair

 

 

Lokomotiv Moscow Preview – Will Lokomotiv end a run of four straight draws to grab crucial three points?

Following Krasnodar’s draw on Tuesday, Lokomotiv Moscow know that a win in this match would put them within touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League. Currently two points ahead of third place, Lokomotiv can rule out rivals CSKA of the automatic qualifying places and mean they require just a point in their final game against Ural next Wednesday.

Lokomotiv have made things more difficult than they needed to be having drawn their last four matches. That run has ruled them out of having any chance of the title but it’s also given hope to those teams below them. At the same time, they’re also unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games.

 

Our betting prediction:
CSKA 1-0 Correct Score
13/2

Bet at Betvictor

(odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 15 July)

 

They’ve reached the group stages of the Champions League for the last two seasons and although losing 10 of their 12 games (winning the other two), they will feel they are developing as a team and the financial rewards will also allow the club to progress off the field.

It’s a team very much built on a strong defence having scored only 38 goals after 28 matches. That’s the lowest of the top five teams but it’s a style that works for them and has proven effective.

CSKA Mosvow Preview – Can CSKA defeat rivals to keep second place and hopes of Champions League finish alive?

There’s still a chance that CSKA can overturn the four point deficit which exists between them and their opponents, which would allow them direct entry into next season’s Champions League. They require a win in this game to do that, of course, and would mean they go into their final match of the season against Tambov with a huge incentive. If they fail to win then all is not lost, though, as third place would ensure they play in the qualifiers for Europe’s premier club competition.

CSKA are currently two points behind Krasnodar in terms of that fight as both teams prepare for their final two games of the campaign.

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It’s been a really good response from CSKA having lost 4-0 at home to Zenit in their first game back. They have since taken 11 points from their next five games including keeping four clean sheets. There will be some frustration following their draw last time out, however, having conceded an equaliser in the closing stages. How crucial those two dropped points will be remains to be seen.

The impressive Nikola Vlasic has been CSKA’s most threatening player throughout the season, scoring 11 league goals from midfield. It may not have worked out for him at Everton but he’s living up to his big transfer fee since moving to Moscow.

Lokomotiv Moscow vs CSKA Moscow Betting Advice

It’s a huge match in the context of both team’s season. A win for Lokomotiv would have them on the brink of playing Champions League football for a third straight season whilst victory for the visitors would ensure a dramatic final day next week.

A penalty from youngster Fedor Chalov was the difference between the teams when CSKA beat Lokomotiv 1-0 earlier in the season.

Key Facts – Lokomotiv Moscow vs CSKA Moscow Betting Tip

  • Lokomotiv can take a huge step towards clinching second spot by winning for the first time in five matches
  • CSKA have won their last two away games 4-0 and require all three points here
  • Nine of the last 13 meetings between these teams have finished with under 2.5 goals

 

Russian football is not considered to be high-scoring in comparison to the rest of Europe but these two are certainly not the most attack-minded of teams. Both of them average under 2.5 goals for their league games whilst nine of the last 13 meetings have also went below this mark. It looks like being another safe bet tomorrow.

The best betting odds for Lokomotiv Mosvow vs CSKA Moscow

Lokomotiv Moscow to win: 37/20 888Sport
Draw: 41/20 at 888Sport
CSKA Moscow to win: 6/4 at 888Sport