This Russian Cup tie pits FC Rostov against Lokomotiv Moscow with a place in the next round at stake. CheckLive's data shows no clear favourite, so it is genuinely difficult to call.
Rostov's last five include wins over Akron Togliatti (4-0), Rodina Moscow (4-2) and Fakel Voronezh (2-1), alongside a goalless draw with CSKA Moscow and a 1-2 loss at Orenburg. Lokomotiv are winless in five, drawing with Orenburg, Akron Togliatti and Akhmat Grozny, and losing to Dinamo Makhachkala and to CSKA Moscow in a 5-6 cup thriller.
The head-to-head record favours Lokomotiv: eight meetings, with Rostov winning one, three draws and four Lokomotiv wins. Their most recent meeting, a January friendly, ended 1-1. With no favourite on the data and cup football often tight, a draw is a very real possible outcome.
