Football expert Valery Masalitin in an exclusive interview for the online publication “Euro-Futbol.Ru” spoke about the upcoming 16th round of the RPL.
– The central match of the tour is “Spartak” – “Lokomotiv”. Do you have doubts about the victory of the “railroad workers”?
– Of course, there is, because Spartak has pride. You can’t lose all the time. We need to take revenge from Lokomotiv, so the mood and game will be good. The two teams play attacking football, which means we will see goals. If one team scores, it means that the second will open up, open football, which the audience loves, will take place, without a center field. But everything will depend on the performers.
– Babich was injured in the national team – a sprained ligament, and with a high degree of probability he will not play against Lokomotiv. Will this greatly complicate matters for Spartak, given the powerful attack of the railwaymen?
– I won’t say that the guests’ attack is strong. Yes, the team scores a lot, but this is also the job of the midfield. Batrakov scores goals himself and makes passes. If Spartak solves this problem, it will be a plus for them. The “red-whites” had a period when they kept several clean sheets. So I expect a good game.
– Do you think the main task of Spartak is to neutralize Batrakov?
– In such matches, the play of the leaders comes to the fore: Barko, Batrakova. A lot depends on them.
– Will CSKA win at home against Rostov?
– After the first break for the national team, CSKA was generally disappointed in the game. Scored two goals against Krylia Sovetov. There are generally problems with organizing the game in attack. It is not clear what caused this. Now the army team has delegated about ten people to the national teams. By the time they get there, they will gather. I don’t know whether Lukin and Kislyak will have time to arrive and acclimatize. I consider Kislyak to be a fighting unit for the team. I won’t say that the army team are unconditional favorites. There is an advantage of the home arena, but there are questions about the game.
– Wouldn’t a draw suit CSKA?
– If a team wants to get into the top three, of course, they need to win; as for the championship, the question is already closed. It is clear that Muscovites need to win, because spectators will gather and they need to show their level.
– Will Zenit easily deal with Orenburg on the road?
– I don’t think it will be a one-wicket game. Orenburg has a unique field, and it can surprise you at home. Sliskovich’s team performs well within its own walls. She has quick counterattacks. There may be surprises.
– Do you think Zenit will continue to lose points?
– We need to stop all experiments and return to our system, which brings results.
– How difficult will it be to defeat Krasnodar in Khimki?
– Anything can happen here. “Krasnodar” has gained a good momentum, but a two-week pause can unsettle and be detrimental. And Khimki has nothing to lose. Especially on your own field. They need glasses too. I won’t say that the Bulls are in for an easy ride.
– “Dynamo” in Voronezh will not lose points?
– Everything is possible. Lichka can’t solve the issue of defense and support zone. Everything is good in front, but there are problems in the middle line and behind. As for Fakel, he is always mobilized at home and will not let Dynamo down. Therefore, the “blue and white” may lose points.
Elena Grigorievskaya
