FC ROSTOV
(WDWWDW)
Russian Premier League side FC Rostov host Manchester United in the Europa League, as both sides look to advance in the competition. As last year's runners up in their league, Rostov's entrance into this year's Champions League was their debut season in the competition, and despite coming up against European giants Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid in their group, they managed to finish 3rd to qualify for the Europa League.
Russian side FC Rostov will not be over-awed by the visit of Manchester United
A side that are comfortable at home, Rostov are one of the emerging teams from a league that is getting increasingly competitive. They finished just two points behind champions CSKA Moscow and four points ahead of big spending Zenit Saint Petersburg, proving that the side are more than just a flash in the pan.
To qualify for the Champions League, they knocked out another European heavyweight in Ajax, beating them 5-2 over two legs, including a stunning 4-1 home win.
The Champions League campaign also saw the side gain credibility in Europe. The group stage of the competition saw the side beat Bayern 3-2 at home and complete a 2-2 draw with PSV. After the side were demoted to the Europa League they smashed Sparta Prague 4-0 at home in the last round of the Europa League.
This year's domestic campaign has so far failed to match up to last season's excellent results. They currently lie 7th in league and are 13 points behind leaders Spartak Moscow and have lost six games, one more than they lost during the whole of last season.
Recent results for the side have improved. Over the last six games, including their two legs against Sparta Prague, the side have conceded just five goals, lost none and scored 18, (this includes three friendlies, due to the Russian League's winter break)
Manchester United
(WWWWWD)
Manchester United, despite a feisty and lackluster performance against Bournemouth at the weekend, are flying. The win against Southampton in the EFL cup final, although a tie that constantly swung, was evidence that the former Premier League champions are close to returning to their imperious best.
Jose Mourinho has his eyes firmly fixed on gaining the fourth spot for his side, allowing them to compete in the champions league next season, but the tricky tie against FC Rostov shouldn't be underestimated. The Russian side have completed some impressive results this season, especially at home in their European adventure.
Ibrohimovic's use of his elbow at the weekend, could see him start against FC Rostov
Zlatan Ibrohimovic's use of his elbow against Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings at the weekend, could see the Swede come under investigation by the FA, and could cause him to become suspended for a number of crucial games domestically.
Although it won't effect the tie with FC Rostov, Mourinho could use the hitman in this game, knowing full well that he won't be able to compete in the league, giving players such as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial a chance up front.
The return leg at Old Trafford is just three days after their FA cup clash with Premier League leaders Chelsea, which could mean that Mourinho could go all out to get a positive result against Rostov in this leg, so that he will be able to rest his squad as much as possible.
A side that look like being genuine title contenders next season, winning the Europa League would go some way to help the side gain some confidence and belief.
STATS
- FC Rostov have received seven red cards this season, Manchester United have received one.
- Manchester United have an impressive 85% passing success rate, whilst FC Rostov have a comparatively poor 72%.
- FC Rostov have scored just 15 goals, 60% of their goals, from open play. Manchester United have scored 31, which is an impressive 79%.
- Manchester United, on average have 17.3 shots per game, whilst their opponents average just 8.9.
- FC Rostov, on average complete 83 long balls per game, which is 20% of their pass completion, Manchester United, complete 66, which is just 11% of their passes completed.
CURRENT BEST MATCH ODDS
FC Rostov: 4/1 with bet365 - Bet Here!
Draw: 5/2 with Sky Bet - Bet Here!
Manchester United: 8/11 with Coral - Bet Here!
SUMMING UP!
On paper, this looks an easy tie to call. Over the two legs it would be a brave man to bet against the fabulously in-form Manchester United at the moment, despite claiming just a draw at the weekend, their form has been outstanding. However, FC Rostov have gained some very credible results this year in their European adventures, especially at home, claiming the scalp of German champions Bayern Munich in a 3-2 win, amongst other highly impressive performances. A visit by Atletico Madrid, a side that is another of the favorites for the Champions League saw them lose by a single goal 1-0, indicating that the game is going to be closer than many may think.
MY RECOMMENDED BETS
- Dmitriy Poloz to score the games first goal is 11/1 with Paddypower - Bet Here!
- The game to be drawn at half time and FC Rostov to win at full time is 11/1 with Betfred - Bet Here!
- Juan Mata to score the last goal of the game is 8/1 with bet365 - Bet Here!
- A 2-2 draw is 20/1 with BetVictor - Bet Here!
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