Match Previews

A full squad….unstable play in the season….An aggregate win of Lokomotiv 5-1 versus Midtjylland in the first round of UEFA Cup gave Lokomotiv opportunity to be seeded to group B and in the first Matchday they welcome Atletico Madrid at home.  Lokomotiv has been failing to complete their season mission in Russian premier league and now they have a chance to make amends to their fans by successfully games in UEFA Cup. Lokomotiv shows unstable play during the season and they could beat both leaders Lokomotiv and Zenit some weeks ago but drew in the last tour over Luch, 1-1, Luch is a team that is very poor in a road. Lokomotiv has no unfit players for the game and even their long term injured players Cocis (sp) and Rodolfo (r) are back and ready to play. Lokomotiv has a good keeper Pelizzoli (r) who shows a good form lately. The back line of Lokomotiv is unpredictable because of they could keep a clean sheet in a game versus a strong team and could concede a goal from a poor team. Right defender Ivanovic (r) share often attacks and a duet Ivanovic (r) Samedov (r) down right flank is a very attacking one and fast. Lokomotiv plays with two defensive midfielders in last games and there are team’s veterans Gurenko (r) and Maminov (r). Billaletdinov has a free role under a pair of forwards. Sychev (r) and Odemvingie (r) are the forwards and both are experienced players and one of the best strikers in Russia. The head coach Byshovets is a well-know specialist in Russia and he led USSR’s team to Olimpic gold medals. Lokomotiv has a deep bench and there are players who can strengthen the team’s play during a match. Head coach Byshovets said that Assatiani (r) is slight injured and he is doubtful for the game, young Efimov (sp) can replace him that he has already done in the season.