FC Rostov VS PSV Eindhoven Match Prediction

This is the first ever meeting between Rostov and PSV, but the Russian side have already come up against Dutch opposition in the Champions League this season, having triumphed against Ajax in the play-offs to book their place in the group stages.

Sardar Azmoun, Aleksandr Erokhin, Christian Noboa and Dmitri Poloz got the goals in a 4-1 home win over Ajax, with Rostov winning the two-legged tie 5-2 on aggregate in August.

%HEAD-TO-HEAD-STATS-BANNER%

Rostov v PSV: Prediction

PSV did not win on their travels in last season's Champions League, so the trip to Russia could well prove to be a tough test for the Eredivisie side. But Rostov are vulnerable, having lost 5-0 to Bayern Munich in their first group game, which led to two more back-to-back defeats. They have recovered since then with a pair of wins, but PSV look stronger on paper. Perhaps a draw is likely.

Rostov v PSV: Betting Tips

The bookmakers are split in the odds for this Champions League group stage game, with PSV offered at 29/20, while Rostov can be backed at around the 2/1 mark here. The draw looks to be the best option on the match odds market and is available at around 12/5.

This is likely to be a tight game and few goals are expected, with PSV having failed to score in five of their last seven Champions League matches, so under 2.5 goals is recommended at 14/19. There have been under 2.5 goals scored in six of PSV's last seven Champions League games, so this looks to be a solid selection.

A 1-0 win at home to Lokomotiv Moscow at the weekend broke a run of three straight defeats for Rostov, who are fifth in the Russian Premier League after a poor start to the season. Alexandr Erokhin could start this game despite being sent off against Lokomotiv last time out, while the goalscorer in that match, Dmitry Poloz, is the main goal threat in the side.

FK Rostov likely XI:

A 3-1 win over Excelsior at the weekend leaves PSV third in the Eredivisie, but they lost their opening group game 1-0 at home to Atletico Madrid two weeks ago. Luuk de Jong was on target in the win over Excelsior and will lead the line for PSV, who could bring Jorrit Hendrix into the midfield for his dynamism after he was left on the bench at the weekend.

PSV Eindhoven likely XI:

These two sides are expected to be battling it out for third place in the group - with Bayern and Atletico occupying the top two slots - so this is a vital match in the context of the competition. While Rostov have the benefit of being at home, PSV impressed in the tournament last year and looked stronger on paper. A low-scoring draw looks to be on the cards, however.

PSV have failed to score in five of their last seven Champions League matches.