The Matchday 8 clash in the MIR 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 consecutive league matches (2 wins, 2 draws), although Stanislav Cherchesov's men have conceded in three of these games. Furthermore, Akhmat has only kept one clean sheet in their last seven RPL matches. Due to dropped points in the last two rounds, the club has slipped to 11th in the standings. However, the team is among the top three most disciplined, averaging only 12 fouls per match.
- The Grozny side has scored in 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches.
- At home, Akhmat has not lost in 9 of their last 10 league matches (5 wins, 4 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 home RPL games, the team has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Giorgi Shelia – Usman Ndong, Maksim Sidorov, Miroslav Bogosavac, Nader Ghandri – Brian Mansilla, Ismael Silva, Egas Kasintura, Maksim Samorodov, Lechi Sadulaev – Georgy Melkadze.
Midfielder Manuel Keliannu will miss the match due to a red card in the last round. The team has added forward Anas El Mahravi and midfielder Rifat Zhemaletdinov to their squad.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's side squandered a two-goal lead for the second consecutive round. However, the draw against Krylia Sovetov (2-2) allowed the Moscow club to match their record from the 2021/22 season for unbeaten matches from the start of the tournament (4 wins, 3 draws). In 6 matches this season, the "Railroaders" have scored at least twice, and their scoring streak in the RPL now spans 13 matches. In the league table, the Moscow side occupies the 4th position.
- 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 scored in 5 of Lokomotiv's last 6 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-4-2)
Anton Mitryushkin – Alexander Silyanov, Maksim Nenakhov, Cesar Montes, Evgeny Morozov – Dmitry Barinov, Alexey Batrakov, Artem Karpukas, 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%.
Match Prediction: Akhmat vs. Lokomotiv
Under Stanislav Cherchesov, the Grozny side has consistently picked up points, but they have yet to solve their defensive issues. Akhmat has only kept one clean sheet in this season, with only Sochi having fewer "dry" matches. The Grozny side has conceded in three consecutive Premier League games, against relatively modest opponents. Moreover, Akhmat allows a significant number of chances at their own goal. However, they have also been consistently scoring, finding the net in 9 of their last 11 RPL matches at home.
Lokomotiv shares the title of the most prolific team in the current championship with Krasnodar. The "Railroaders" are also among the top three in converting goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Moscow side rarely settles for just one goal: Mikhail Galaktionov's men have scored at least twice in 8 of their last 9 Premier League matches. However, their defense lacks reliability: they have only managed to keep a clean sheet against Sochi in the RPL 2025/26, and away from home, Lokomotiv has conceded in 8 of their last 9 matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
