These sides had contrasting results in their first match of the RPL season. Lokomotiv Moscow managed to secure a 0-0 draw at title contenders Zenit St. Petersburg whilst newly-promoted Tom Tomsk were hammered 3-0 away at Krasnodar and had a man sent off.
Despite last weekend’s relatively succesful draw against Zenit, chaos still surrounds the club off the pitch. It has been known for a long while now that long-standing club president Olga Smorodskaya will be leaving in the coming weeks, however, as of yet there is no succession plan in place. All of which leaves Igor Cherevchenko and his squad in a rather precarious position.
It is unfair to judge Tom Tomsk’s RPL credentials on their away loss at Krasnodar as the Bulls are one of the top four sides in the division. This match against Lokomotiv will be a more realistic portrayal of Tom’s chances of survival this season. Of course the Siberian side will be missing Valeriu Ciuperca through suspension after his red card last weekend but they otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Although Lokomotiv are the favourites being at home and having more top flight experience, I am not sure I would back them here. Goals were the problem after the departure of Oumar Niasse to Everton in the last January transfer window and the Muscovites are yet to rectify this. As previously mentioned, you cannot judge Tom on the Krasnodar match and I think they will be a lot better on matchday two. I do not see this tepid Lokomotiv attack threatening what looks to be a solid and experienced Tom Tomsk backline. In addition, who knows how the Lokomotiv players have been affected by the off field scandal at the club. I think the Siberians could nick a goal off a set play and come away with the three points.
There is s a surprise result every week in the Russian Premier League and I feel this could be it. The return you get on a Tom Tomsk win at 38/5 is too good an opportunity to pass up.