Prediction and odds for the game: Sochi (31/20) v Rostov (7/4)
We are backing the draw at odds of 11/5
When: Friday 20th March 2020, Kick-off 4:30 PM
Where: The Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht
On Friday night, Sochi and Rostov clash in the Russian Premier League, as the visitors look to push into the Champions League spots.
Sochi
The home side is currently a point above the relegation zone. They are still in a perilous position, despite a three-game winning run in the Russian top-flight. Last time out, the home side recorded a 2-0 win over Krasnodar. The game saw Vladimir Fedotov’s team score at least two goals for a third straight league game. It was also their fifth straight league game played on home soil.
Sochi have won just four of their 12 league matches at home in their maiden season in the Russian Premier League. However, they have only failed to score in one of their last ten matches on home soil in the top-flight. Both teams have scored in five of their last seven league games at home.
Sochi suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. However, having found form in the last few games they will fancy their chances of gaining revenge in this clash.
Rostov
The visitors are currently fourth-place in the Premier League table, just three points behind Lokomotiv Moscow, who occupy the last Champions League qualification berth. A win would certainly boost their top-three chances.
Rostov head into this clash in inconsistent form. They have won just two of their last eight outings in the Russian top-flight. However, a 3-1 home defeat against Lokomotiv Moscow last time out ended a four-game unbeaten run in the league for the visitors.
The game against Lokomotiv followed a familiar high-scoring trend for the visitor’s recent games, as six of their last eight matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Valeriy Karpin’s team have struggled on their travels of late in the Russian Premier League, as they have won just once in their last five away games in the top-flight, also picking up two draws and suffering two defeats.
Their recent away matches in the Russian Premier League have been high-scoring, with seven of their last eight games on their travels producing over 2.5 goals. Also, both teams have scored in 11 of their last 12 away games in the Russian top-flight.
The visitors will hope that top scorer Eldor Shomurodov can rediscover his scoring boots. The 24-year-old has scored 11 goals in 22 league goals this season. However, he has found the net just once in their last ten Premier League outings.
Conclusion
Although Rostov are much higher in the table, it is Sochi who are in the better form. We are backing the draw, as we do not believe that either side will have enough to win the game. We are also backing the over 2.5 goals, as both teams have been involved in high-scoring games of late in the Premier League.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 11/5 and/or the under 2.5 goals scored sat odds of 23/20. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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