The Matchday 8 clash in the Russian Premier League between Akhmat and Lokomotiv will take place on September 13 at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny. Akhmat vs. Lokomotiv: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Akhmat
In the previous round, the team drew 1-1 away against Rostov. The Grozny side remains unbeaten in four league matches (2 wins, 2 draws), although Stanislav Cherchesov's men have conceded in three of these games. Additionally, Akhmat has kept a clean sheet only once in their last seven Premier League matches. Due to dropped points in the last two rounds, the club has slipped to 11th place in the standings. However, the team ranks among the top three for discipline, averaging just 12 fouls per game.
- The Grozny side has scored in 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches.
- At home, Akhmat has avoided defeat in 9 of their last 10 league matches (5 wins, 4 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 home games in the Premier League, the team has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Giorgi Shelia – Usman Ndong, Maxim Sidorov, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nader Ghandri – Turpal-Ali Ibyshev, Ismael Silva, Egas Kasintura, Maxim Samorodov, Lechi Sadulaev – Georgy Melkadze.
Midfielder Manuel Kelianu will miss the match due to a suspension from the previous round. The team has been strengthened by forward Anas El Mahraoui and midfielders Papa Amadi Gadio, Rifat Zhemaletdinov.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's side squandered a two-goal lead for the second consecutive round. However, the 2-2 draw against Krylia Sovetov allowed the Moscow club to match their unbeaten streak from the 2021/22 season (4 wins, 3 draws). In 6 matches of the current league, the "Railroaders" have scored at least twice, and their scoring streak in the Premier League stands at 13 games. In the league table, the Moscow side is in 4th place.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Lokomotiv's last 9 Premier League matches.
- Away from home, the team is unbeaten in 6 league matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Lokomotiv's last 6 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-4-2)
Ilya Lantratov – Alexander Silyanov, Maxim Nenakhov, Cesar Montes, Evgeny Morozov – Dmitry Barinov, Alexey Batrakov, Danil Prutsev, Zelimkhan Bakaev – Dmitry Vorobyov, Alexander Rudenko.
Forward Sergey Pinyaev is injured. Forward Nikolay Komlichenko is suspended.
Referee
Kirill Levnikov (Russia)
Matches – 23 (RPL, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 116;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 8;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 39%.
Akhmat vs. Lokomotiv: Match Prediction
Under Stanislav Cherchesov, the Grozny side has consistently picked up points, but defensive issues remain. Akhmat has kept just one clean sheet this season, with only Sochi having fewer. The team has conceded in three consecutive Premier League matches, even against less formidable opponents. Akhmat also allows numerous chances at their goal. However, they have been scoring consistently, netting in 9 of their last 11 home Premier League games.
Lokomotiv shares the title of the most prolific team this season with Krasnodar. The "Railroaders" are also among the top three for converting scoring opportunities. Moreover, the Moscow side rarely settles for a single goal: Mikhail Galaktionov's men have scored at least twice in 8 of their last 9 Premier League matches. However, the capital club's defense lacks reliability: they have kept a clean sheet only against Sochi in the RPL 2025/26, and have conceded in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
