PSV Eindhoven vs FC Rostov: Preview and Prediction

PSV Eindhoven vs FC Rostov
UEFA Champions League – Group D
Date: Tuesday, 6th December 2016.
Kick-off at 19:45 UK.
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven.

It is a vital clash for Europa League spot when PSV taken on FC Rostov on the final group D match of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League.

The Dutch Eredivisie outfit are yet to register a win this season’s tournament and have 1 point to their name from a 2-2 away draw against Rostov on matchday 2. Rostov have 4 points to their name, but if PSV could sneak a win on Tuesday, they will advance to the first knock out stage of Europa League on a better head-to-head record against the Russians. While a draw will do the same for Rostov.

PSV lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid on matchday 5, while Rostov surprised German Champions Bayern Munich by defeating 3-2 in front of the home fans. The 21-year old Iranian international Sardar Azmoun was pick of the players who scored the opening goal and was a constant menace to the Bayern defense. And Azmoun is our key player to watch for this clash and could be backed to score any-time.

PSV Eindhoven vs FC Rostov: Head-to-head stats

The meeting on matchday 2 at Rostov-on-Don on 28th September 2016 is the only previous meeting between these two sides. Dmitri Poloz scored twice for Rostov, while Davy Propper and Luke de Jong found the net for PSV. Propper had a perfect chance to seal the match in second half from the penalty spot, which failed to hit the target.

PSV’s record against Russian clubs in UEFA competition is 4 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses from 11 matches so far. While the record at home is 3 wins and 2 draws from 5 matches. Under similar circumstances, they defeated CSKA Moscow on matchday 6 of last season to earn a place in the knockout round of Champions League.

FC Rostov’s only other Dutch opposition in Ajax, whom they met during the qualifying rounds of the current season. The Russian earned a 1-1 draw at Amsterdam before thrashing Ajax 4-1 in the return leg at home. So they will go into this game with an unbeaten record against Dutch clubs, however it’s only three games.

PSV Eindhoven vs FC Rostov: Head-to-head stats

PSV are on a terrible run at the moment and been only able to register one win from their last 6 matches in all competitions. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Roda JC in the weekend’s league clash which summarizes their troubles in front of the goal. They are yet to win a game in the Champions League and will be low of confidence despite being the home team.

Rostov have shown good fighting spirit in each of their Champions League games so far. It can be clearly seen that the players are very relax and are coming here to play for the crowd. The can pull out another surprise result here, however their priority will be to secure a point and advance to the knockout stages of Europa League.