Akron Togliatti vs Lokomotiv Moscow Prediction & Betting Tips (16 September)

As Akron Togliatti prepare to host Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Cup on September 16, the stakes are high and the atmosphere is tense. Akron, under the guidance of Zaur Tedeev, have endured a rough patch recently, losing four consecutive matches including a 0–2 defeat to Lokomotiv just weeks ago. Despite their struggles, the squad boasts emerging talents like Dmitriy Pestryakov and Nikita Bazilevskiy, who have shown flashes of brilliance. Tedeev, appointed in late 2023, is still shaping the team’s identity, and this Cup fixture offers a chance to rewrite their narrative against a formidable opponent.

Lokomotiv Moscow, led by Mikhail Galaktionov, arrive in Togliatti with momentum and pedigree. The Muscovites are unbeaten in their last five matches, with standout performances from Nikolay Komlichenko and Dmitriy Vorobiev, both of whom found the net in their recent 2–0 win over Akron. Galaktionov’s side has been tactically sharp, blending youth and experience with players like Aleksey Batrakov and César Montes anchoring key positions. With a win probability of over 56%, Lokomotiv are favorites on paper, but they’ll be wary of Akron’s unpredictable home form and the Cup’s tendency to defy expectations.



The tactical chess match will likely hinge on midfield control. Akron’s Konstantin Maradishvili and Stefan Lončar will be tasked with disrupting Lokomotiv’s rhythm, while Lokomotiv’s Artem Timofeev and Dmitriy Barinov will look to dictate tempo and exploit Akron’s defensive lapses. Akron have conceded over 0.5 goals in their last eight matches, a vulnerability Lokomotiv will aim to exploit. However, Akron’s ability to score in both halves, as seen in recent fixtures, suggests they won’t go quietly, especially with the home crowd behind them.

Despite Lokomotiv’s statistical edge and recent dominance, the Russian Cup has a habit of producing drama. Akron’s resilience, coupled with Lokomotiv’s occasional defensive lapses, sets the stage for a tightly contested affair. Our prediction leans toward a 2–1 victory for Akron Togliatti—a result that would stun the visitors and inject fresh belief into Tedeev’s project. It’s a bold call, but one grounded in the Cup’s history of upsets and Akron’s capacity to rise when least expected.