Lokomotiv Moscow – Rubin: preview
We have the predictions for the match between Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin in the context of the 14th round of the Russian Premier League 2026/27 season. Both squads are going through a crisis: Lokomotiv will probably play its last match under the direction of Mikhail Galaktinov, while Rubin is searching for its identity under Oleg Kuzmin.
Key points
Lokomotiv Moscow
1. Mikhail Galaktinov will probably say goodbye to the club after the next match
The results of the “railwaymen” this season: 14th place in the league and an early exit from the Cup. Galaktinov does not seem to be the main culprit for the team's failures, considering the failed summer transfer campaign, but he could have gotten more out of his remaining squad, at least keeping them in the top half of the table. According to the latest information, the coach will leave the club after the next game. Possible successors are former “Ahmat” coach Stanislav Cherchev and veteran Vladimir Fedotov, with Dmitry Khokhlov, who currently coaches the “Loco” youth team, as a potential interim manager.
2. The team still has problems in the tenth‑place zone and on the defensive flanks
Aleksey Batrakov’s substitutions were not realized in the summer; Nikolai Titkov prefers a deeper positioning, and his skill does not compare with the player from “Galatasaray.” Therefore, Galaktinov is looking for the optimal option: he tested Alexander Rudenko and Andrey Mstovoy in that position, players used to playing on the flank and much better in open spaces than in passing. There are also difficulties on the defensive flanks: Alexander Silyanov, in the absence of Cesar Montes, needs the center, while Lucas Fason is in poor form, leaving the left centre to the starter Danila Godyov.
3. “Loco” plays very poorly in defense
The defense of the railwaymen has been the weakest link of the team during Galaktinov’s years, with the help of Anton Mitryushkin, the good form of Cesar Montes and the former central link of the Barinov field – Karpuk. Now things are especially bad, with no visible improvements with each match. In the last four games, Lokomotiv conceded twelve goals. For fairness, the opponents were three elite clubs and the rising “Rostov” under Dmitry Kirichenko, not the “Rubin” that barely scores, although half a year ago the railwaymen were among the greats.
Rubin
1. Kuzmin broke the long streak of failures
At the end of Franck Artiqui’s tenure, Rubin had become very discouraged. The promise of a restructuring towards offensive football became impossible after the sale of Mirland Daku and the lack of creative midfielders of level. The team was tired of the Spanish’s demands, resulting in a series of four consecutive defeats in all competitions and a drop to the second half of the table. Artiqui was replaced by Oleg Kuzmin, under whose direction Rubin played two matches: lost to Spartak in the Cup (0:1) and broke the streak of failures with a 1:0 victory over Fakel. The Kazan club continues to look for a more experienced coach, but can confirm its former defender as a permanent starter if successful.
2. Kuzmin keeps the scheme, Rojkov lost his place in the starting XI
Oleg Kuzmin keeps the scheme with three central defenders and a compact midfield. In the last match, the first goal of the Kazan club – and very beautiful – was scored by Eddie Salcedo, who recently replaced Jacques Sive in the base. There are no revolutionary changes in the lineup compared to the Artiqui era, but Ilya Rojkov was put on the bench. The match with Fakel, due to suspension, left out Jahongir Urozov, who will return to the base.
3. Rubin has never won away since Daku’s departure
Since its return to the elite, the Kazans have gained a reputation as a home team, with few results away. However, this season stands out negatively in that context. Their only away win in all competitions was against Akron on 1 August, when Mirland Daku scored the decisive goal. Since then, the team has played eight away matches in all competitions, with notable defeats such as the overwhelming losses to “Rodina” (0:5) and “Spartak” (0:4). Most matches ended in a draw.
Approximate lineups 4-2-3-1
5 – Mitryushkin
5 – Niamshi
45 – Silyanov
3 – Fason
24 – Nena
6 – Babkin
18 – Titkov
77 – Mstovoy
7 – Bakayev
19 – Rudenko
27 – Komlichenko
38 – Urozov
5 – Vuyachich
2 – Tselenco
12 – Arroyo
6 – Ivu
71 – Samoshnikov
22 – Khodja
14 – Saavedra
7 – Babaev
10 – Salcedo
Betting on the trend
Rubin won four of the last six direct encounters. P2 – at 3.45.
In four of the last five direct encounters, only one team scored. Only one will score – at 2.35.
Prediction
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Rubin 06.11.2026 20:30
Mikhail Galaktinov, after the Cup exit and the drop to the border‑match zone, will play his last match in front of Lokomotiv – candidates are Stanislav Cherchev and Vladimir Fedotov. The coach failed to balance the defense, and the successors of Aleksey Batrakov in the striker position do not meet the functionality. Changes in the defense will end the already weak line of the Moscowers.
Oleg Kuzmin has not made fundamental changes compared to the times of Franck Artiqui and continues to keep the possibility of staying at the head of the team – in the last round, Rubin achieved the long‑awaited victory. Few changes are expected in the lineup – Jahongir Urozov will return.
Since the departure of Mirland Daku, the Kazans have not won a single regular‑season away match, so there is no confidence that they can overcome the deeply troubled “Loco.” A low‑productivity draw is expected. Prediction: 1-1
