Lokomotiv-Pamir vs. Dushanbe-83 Odds, Prediction, and Pick – Tajikistan Higher League, April 11

It’s a local derby between two of the promoted clubs on Saturday as Lokomotiv-Pamir takes on Dushanbe-83. Seven points separated them last year in the First League as the home side swept to the title. But this game gives both teams a chance to put some early points on the board in the top flight.

These teams had vastly different experiences on matchday one, and the two coaches have contrasting ideas of how to put together a squad, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

You can find my prediction and pick below in this Lokomotiv-Pamir vs. Dushanbe-83 betting preview.

Lokomotiv-Pamir’s second-tier title plays a part in BetOnline making the home side the favorite to win this game on Saturday. But Dushanbe-83’s result against Istiklol probably has something to do with the odds, too. The way it played against the champions, I would not have been surprised if the price was even bigger for an away win.

Lokomotiv-Pamir has eased into life in the Tajikistan Higher League with its opening two fixtures against fellow promoted teams. The draw with Fayzkand was probably to be expected after the close battle they enjoyed last year in the second tier. But head coach Mubin Ergashev will also demand a home win against Dushanbe-83.

He has packed his squad with youngsters, many from the Tajikistan U17 team that competed in the World Cup in Brazil last year, but it was two slightly older players that scored the goals in the draw on matchday one, so it looks like a little experience will be needed this season, too.

It was always unlikely that Dushanbe-83 would be able to take anything away from its opening game of the season as it was drawn to play champions Istiklol. But the manner of the defeat could have a long-lasting effect on the players at the capital city club. It was still 0-0 with 25 minutes gone, but the final score of 7-0 was just embarrassing.

Now Nazirsho Rizomov must attempt to lift his players for this game with local rivals Lokomotiv. There had been some signs that this could be a promising season, with Dushanbe-83 finishing third in the League Cup, but morale will be at an all-time low now.

After winning the league last year, I would have probably gone for Lokomotiv-Pamir to take this battle of the promoted sides anyway. But Dushanbe-83’s crushing defeat at the hands of Istiklol could ruin its chances of getting anything going at the start of the season, and I can’t see any way that Lokomotiv-Pamir won’t take advantage of that right now.

You can find more soccer previews and breakdowns in our soccer blog.

There are four other games of the local Premier League and I share my analysis and prediction for each of them in the posts below.