FC Rostov v Bayern Munich Betting Tips

This Group D match sees one of the favourites for the Champions League go up against one of the minnows in the competition. Bayern Munich are currently second and already through whilst Rostov are bottom and hoping to beat PSV Eindhoven to the Europa League spot.

The first match between these two ended in a 5-0 thrashing by Bayern at the Allianz Arena but this game should be closer.

Much like Leicester City, Rostov are clearly prioritising the Champions League this season. This was particularly evident in their last European match away at last year’s runners-up, Atletico Madrid. Rostov played (and lost) to Amkar Perm in the Russian Premier League match preceding that game in Madrid, however, they had chosen to rest players in Perm with a view to doing something against Atletico.

This so very nearly paid off and Dmitri Kirichenko’s men cruelly lost that match against Atletico thanks to a 93rd winner from Antoine Griezmann.

The management at Rostov actually did the opposite in this weekend’s domestic match against Rubin Kazan (which ended 0-0) and picked a full strength side.

Rostov are not doing too badly in the league and, after last season’s over-achievements, it seems we are finally seeing the ‘real Rostov’ as they sit sixth in the league, just three points off the European spots.

Selmashi’s form has not been fantastic recently with just one win in their last seven matches in all competitions and even that victory was at home to lowly Arsenal Tula. However, we saw how important home form is to Rostov last season as it really was the basis of their title challenge and we have seen them do pretty well again at Olimp-2 this season with just one defeat all season (1-0 against Atletico) in all competitions.

This of course is a bonus match for Rostov with the main focus being on their tie against Europa League rivals PSV Eindhoven in a couple of weeks time. However, they will be confident that they can do well against a Bayern side which is suffering.

Bayern’s new manager Carlo Ancelotti has not had the ideal start to his reign in south Germany with the Bundesliga champions currently second in the table, three points off top spot Red Bull Leipzig. After a poor late September and early October, Bayern looked like they were recovering with five wins on the spin in all competitions. However, they have once again gone off course a bit and are without a win in two matches and indeed suffered their first Bundesliga loss since March at the weekend when they lost 1-0 to usual title rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Away form has been rather patchy of late with just two wins in five matches in all competitions.

There are two arguments to be made in regards to Wednesday’s Champions League match against Rostov. Firstly, we can argue that they are in bad form and perhaps do not fancy a difficult trip to south Russia. On the other, we can say that they will be determined to get back to where they belong and Rostov could be the unfortunate victims of a resurgence.

There is no doubt that Bayern need to win this match to give themselves a fighting chance of claiming top spot and the all important seeding for the knockout draw.

Although I expect Bayern to win, I think Rostov will put up a decent fight. People will point to the 5-0 thrashing but we must remember that this was on Rostov’s European debut, and at the fortress that is the Allianz Arena.

The first bet I have gone for is ‘Bayern Munich to Win & Under 3.5 Goals’ at 10/11. Although it is odds-on, I actually think the price here is very good value. It allows for a comfortable 3-0 win to Bayern but also allows Rostov to put up a good fight and perhaps even nick a goal – just like they did against Atletico Madrid last time out.

If you want something with a larger return then perhaps look at ‘Under 2.5 Goals’ at 7/5. Again, I actually think this match could be pretty close as Rostov should not be underestimated. They are incredibly solid at home and they may be able to restrict Bayern who have scored just once in their last two matches. Some Russian football optimists are even saying Rostov could get a draw here which this bet allows.

Finally I have gone for ‘Half-Time Draw’ at 9/5. Rostov will no doubt be looking to really restrict Bayern in the first half to ensure the game does not get away from them which Bayern may find hard to break down. It is also worth noting that in Bayern’s last Champions League match, away at PSV Eindhoven who themselves are probably at the same level as Rostov, it was a draw at half time whilst it was also all-square at the break in Bayern’s recent Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim.

Furthermore, it has been level pegging at half time in seven out of Rostov’s 10 previous matches in all competitions, including all three of their Champions League games since their thrashing at the hands of Bayern on match-day one.

See all of Wednesday’s tips here.