The long break for national team matches has given some RPL sides the chance to shake up their coaching setups, and Rostov have jumped on that move by showing the exit door to Spanish coach Jonathan Alba. In his place they have brought in familiar face Dmitry Kirichenko, a man who knows the club inside out and is expected to bring a fresh voice to the dressing room. With the league still tight around the middle, this change comes at a time when both sides need points badly to steady their seasons.
Team Form
Rostov under Alba never played the prettiest football but they usually found a way to get results, finishing safely without playoffs last season and sitting above thirteenth place this term while also making progress in the cup. Akron on the other hand have grown stronger as the weeks passed, with Serbian coach Srdjan Blagojevic turning things around after early doubts. In their last nine games across all competitions the Steelmen have lost just once, a 3-0 derby defeat to Krylya Sovetov, and they now sit level on points with Rostov after a first RPL win of the season against Akhmat.
- Rostov lost heavily to Spartak and Dinamo Moscow before the break, ending Alba’s time in charge.
- Akron drew 1-1 away to Krasnodar and then beat Akhmat 2-0 at home to grab their first league win.
- Both teams have shown they can grind out results when it matters most in the middle of the table.
Tactical Analysis
Kirichenko is likely to bring more direct play and use the wings better than Alba did, looking to get crosses into the box for his forwards. Akron under Blagojevic have become solid at the back and quick on the counter, using set pieces well to create danger. Rostov still have the edge in experience but Akron’s recent run shows they are hard to break down and can punish teams that leave gaps. The visitors will look to sit deep, frustrate the home side and hit on the break, while Rostov need to find a way to open them up without leaving themselves open at the other end.
Strengths for Rostov include their cup form and home support, but they have looked shaky in recent league games. Akron’s main plus is their defensive organisation and the confidence from recent results, though they still lack cutting edge in front of goal at times.
Betting Proposal
After looking at how both sides have been playing and the way the break has affected them, the smart money is on Akron to avoid defeat on the road. They have been in good shape lately and Rostov are still settling under the new coach, so the value sits with the visitors not to lose.
Akron not to lose away – draw or away win at 1.95 looks the play.
