The Matchday 1 encounter of the Winline Winter Cup RPL between CSKA and Rostov will be held on January 31 at Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi (UAE). CSKA vs. Rostov: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
CSKA
Under the guidance of Marko Nikolić, CSKA had an inconsistent run before the winter break, securing only two victories in their last six league matches, but they did reach the semi-finals of the RPL Path in the Russian Cup. In the Premier League standings, CSKA is in sixth place with 31 points, trailing the top three by six points. The Moscow team has been strong defensively this season, conceding only 14 goals, a figure bettered by just two clubs, and in the national cup, they have allowed only two goals in eight matches.
Notably, before the start of the Winline Winter Cup RPL, the team played two friendly matches, defeating OKMK from Uzbekistan (4-1) and Ordabasy from Kazakhstan (3-0).
- The team is unbeaten in their last seven friendly matches (5 wins, 2 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in the club's last 11 friendly encounters.
- CSKA has scored at least twice in their last seven friendly matches.
Projected lineup for CSKA (3-4-3)
Igor Akinfeev – Igor Diveev, Matvey Lukin, Moises Barbosa – Danil Krugovoy, Matvey Kislyak, Miralem Pjanic, Kellven – Tamerlan Musaev, Sekou Koita, Ivan Oblyakov.
Rostov
Valery Karpin's side had an impressive run before the winter break, winning six consecutive matches across the league and the Russian Cup. These results have allowed Rostov to solidify their position in the mid-table of the Premier League, where they are seventh with 26 points, five points behind CSKA. Additionally, the team reached the semi-finals of the RPL Path in the national cup, defeating Spartak in both quarter-final legs (1-0 and 2-1).
Before the Winline Winter Cup RPL, Rostov played friendly matches against Rodina (3-2) and Sogdiana from Uzbekistan (3-0).
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 friendly matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of the team's last 6 friendly encounters.
- Rostov has scored at least twice in four of their last friendly matches.
Projected lineup for Rostov (4-3-3)
Rustam Yatimov – Andrey Langovich, Maksim Osipenko, Viktor Melyokhin, Ilya Vakhania – Danil Glebov, Rodrigo Saravia, Ivan Komarov – Ronaldo, Mohammad Mohebi, Nikolay Komlichenko.
Referee
Pavel Kukuyan (Russia)
Matches – 10 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 30%.
Match Prediction: CSKA vs. Rostov
CSKA's play this season has been characterized by a focus on solid defensive performances, resulting in a lack of high-scoring games. In the RPL, CSKA has scored only 28 goals, the lowest among the top seven in the standings. Additionally, in their last ten league and Russian Cup matches, Nikolić's side has scored more than once on only three occasions.
Rostov gained momentum before the winter break, excelling not only in attack but also in neutralizing opponents' offenses. Although the team has not kept many clean sheets (only two in their last 13 official matches), they have conceded a maximum of one goal in their last seven Premier League and national cup games.
I believe Valery Karpin's side will effectively counter CSKA's attack and prevent the opponent from scoring more than one goal. My prediction: CSKA Individual Total Under 1.5
