Lokomotiv Moscow’s striker Artem Dzyuba shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming clash with CSKA in the Russian Premier League’s 24th round. The matchup represents not just a test of form but a snapshot of a club in transition and a league in motion. Lokomotiv has been reshaped by a new coaching staff and fresh faces in the squad, a combination that is slowly knitting together on the pitch as the season unfolds. Dzyuba’s perspective highlights both the optimism of a team discovering its balance and the reality of facing a seasoned opponent in CSKA, a side that has established itself as one of the league’s most reliable performers. The forward emphasized that CSKA is already well-balanced and dangerous, currently occupying a high rung on the table and enjoying a long streak without loss. He noted that while CSKA’s defensive discipline is strong, Lokomotiv’s attacking intent is similarly potent, making the encounter a tactical duel as much as a test of scoring touch. These remarks, captured by Match TV, frame the game as a crucible where fresh ideas meet proven resilience, underscoring the strategic thinking both teams bring into the stadium on game day.
Heading into the 24th round, Lokomotiv sits in the upper portion of the standings after 23 weeks, tallying a respectable points total that reflects consistent performance. The team is set to travel away from home for the CSKA fixture, looking to translate training-ground improvements into competitive results. The match is scheduled for April 23 with a 19:30 Moscow time kickoff, a timing that will challenge players to manage pace, fatigue, and tactical discipline across a full 90 minutes. The fixture could influence how Lokomotiv positions itself in the standings as the season dynamics intensify, especially given the evolving strength of the squad under its current leadership and the ongoing integration of new players.
Artem Dzyuba, aged 34, joined Lokomotiv at the beginning of February and has quickly become a central figure in the squad’s plans. In his eight appearances since joining, he has produced six goals and four assists, a scoring touch paired with playmaking that has given the team a sharper edge in attack. His contributions have helped create scoring opportunities and sustained pressure on rival defenses, reinforcing Lokomotiv’s intent to compete at a high level across the remaining rounds of the season. The impact of a veteran presence like Dzyuba has also been felt in how teammates approach finisher’s duties and build plays around a focal point in forward positions. These developments illustrate the club’s broader strategy to blend experience with youth, aiming for a balanced and versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents.
Former Lokomotiv midfielder and Russia national team figure Sergey Gurenko offered his thoughts on the CSKA versus Lokomotiv clash in the 24th round of the league, framing the match as a meaningful test of two clubs at different stages of their journeys. His commentary reflected a belief that the encounter will hinge on how each side manages transitions between defense and attack, and how effectively they execute game plans under pressure. The discussion around this rivalry underscores the broader context of the Russian Premier League, where tactical evolution, squad depth, and coaching changes are shaping outcomes week by week. As fans anticipate the kickoff, both sides appear prepared to exert pressure, probe weaknesses, and seize moments that could tilt the balance in favor of one of the contenders in this dynamic season. [Source: Match TV analysis]