Lokomotiv Moskva vs Akhmat Grozny Predictions

Lokomotiv Moskva will face Akhmat Grozny at the RZD Arena on March 7, 2025, in a key Russian Premier League matchup, with both teams vying for vital points in the 2024/25 season’s second half. Lokomotiv Moskva, projected to sit 4th with around 34 points from 19 matches as of March 6, 2025, are coming off a 2-1 league win over Krylya Sovetov (March 2, 2025), aiming to solidify their European qualification hopes. Akhmat Grozny, expected to be 14th with approximately 18 points from 19 matches, arrive after a 1-0 loss to Krasnodar (March 2, 2025), desperate to climb away from the relegation zone. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Lokomotiv Moskva vs Akhmat Grozny in this Premier League showdown?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Lokomotiv Moskva

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 10W, 4D, 5L in Premier League (34 points, 4th)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Krylya Sovetov (Premier League, March 2, 2025)

• Home Form: 6W, 2D, 1L (18 goals scored, 8 conceded) Lokomotiv Moskva have been in solid form, with their 2-1 victory over Krylya Sovetov marking their fourth win in six games (4W, 1D, 1L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 34 points from 19 matches, they’re in the hunt for a European spot, with a 3-0 win over Rostov (Feb 15, 2025) highlighting their home strength. At RZD Arena, they’ve averaged 2.00 goals scored and 0.89 conceded per game, showing attacking flair and defensive resilience, now facing an Akhmat side they’ve historically dominated.

Akhmat Grozny

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 4W, 6D, 9L in Premier League (18 points, 14th)

• Latest Result: 1-0 loss vs. Krasnodar (Premier League, March 2, 2025)

• Away Form: 2W, 2D, 5L (10 goals scored, 16 conceded) Akhmat Grozny have struggled, with their 1-0 defeat to Krasnodar marking their third loss in five games (1W, 1D, 3L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 18 points from 19 matches, they’re battling relegation, with a 2-1 win over Fakel (Feb 14, 2025) as a rare bright spot. On the road, they’ve averaged 1.11 goals scored and 1.78 conceded per game, with Lechii Sadulaev (4 goals) providing spark, but their away woes could be exploited by Lokomotiv’s attack.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Lokomotiv Moskva 13W, Akhmat Grozny 4W, 6D (23 meetings since 2017)

• Recent Meeting:
  August 4, 2024: Akhmat Grozny 0-5 Lokomotiv Moskva (Premier League, Round 3)

• Key Trend: Lokomotiv have won 5 of the last 6 H2Hs; 48% of their meetings saw both teams score. The August 2024 clash saw Lokomotiv thrash Akhmat 5-0 away, with Timur Suleymanov and Dmitry Vorobyev scoring braces, reflecting a trend of dominance (avg. 2.26 goals in last 6 H2Hs). Lokomotiv’s 2-0 home win in March 2024 reinforces their edge at RZD Arena, setting up a tough task for Akhmat.

Key Players to Watch

Lokomotiv Moskva

• Timur Suleymanov (FWD): 7 goals, 3 assists in Premier League; Lokomotiv’s top scorer with pace.

• Dmitry Vorobyev (MID): 5 goals, 4 assists; dynamic playmaker.

• Ilya Lantratov (GK): 6 clean sheets; anchors a solid defense.

Akhmat Grozny

• Lechii Sadulaev (MID): 4 goals, 3 assists in Premier League; Akhmat’s creative force.

• Bernard Berisha (FWD): 3 goals; experienced finisher under pressure.

• Giorgi Shelia (GK): 4 clean sheets; key to any upset hopes.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Lokomotiv’s 4-3-3 (1.79 goals per game) relies on Suleymanov’s speed and Vorobyev’s vision, targeting Akhmat’s shaky away defense (1.78 goals conceded per game), though Maksim Nenakhov’s doubtful status (knee) may see Stanislav Magkeev step in. Akhmat’s 4-2-3-1 (1.05 goals per game) hinges on Sadulaev’s flair and Berisha’s finishing, aiming to counter (avg. 47% possession away), but Miroslav Bogosavac’s absence (suspension) weakens their backline. The 20,000-strong RZD Arena crowd will push Lokomotiv, likely forcing Akhmat into a defensive stance, with Lokomotiv’s attack poised to dominate.

Prediction: Lokomotiv Moskva vs Akhmat Grozny

Our Prediction: Lokomotiv Moskva to Win 2-0