Rostov – Spartak M

Spartak should not be considered a clear outsider

On Sunday, 21 April, Rostov and Spartak will meet in one of the central matches of the 25th round. Both teams are fighting for bronze medals. The rivals are neighbours in the standings. "Red and white" have a reserve of only one point. Rostov struggled for survival in the first part of the season, but now have become the best club in the RPL in terms of points and quality of play. The southerners have produced a near-perfect stretch, picking up ten points. In addition, the club broke through to the top six in the Russian Cup and have a good chance of a big final there. Rostov's rebuilding is a comprehensive success. Both competent transfers and the development of the internal reserve helped. It's important that this is a completely different Rostov than the one that made noise in the first part of last season. Back then, everything revolved around the combination of Utkin and Komlichenko. Now the former leaders are in the shadows, and the main role is played by completely different characters - Mohebi as an example. The Iranian was recognised as the best footballer of March in the RPL. The player can be safely considered the most dangerous attacking performer in the league. Spartak is an outsider against Rostov in 2024. The reboot with Abascal did not take place; the club started a new temporary phase. Coach Vladimir Slishkovich is an emergency replacement. No one is considering him as a permanent mentor. Obviously, there is a search for a new coach for the long term. The Bosnian started his stage with a peaceful outcome in St Petersburg. On the one hand, not losing to the champion away is a success, on the other hand, the game was a failure, the draw was brought only by Maksimenko, and the club still flew to the Way of the Regions. Spartak has a nightmare performance record. Out of the last five matches, the club has scored in only one, and that was due to mistakes by Dinamo's Igor Leshchuk. Promes' absence has also had an impact. Anton Zinkovskiy is considered to be the best attacking player in Spartak right now, but he doesn't have a single productive action in the RPL in 2024. Rostov and Spartak meetings are a separate spectacle in the Russian league. Karpin always brings out his players with a special spirit. Now there are also many rumours about the appointment of the coach to Spartak. Another issue is that the guests still have a squad of a higher level. In addition, the Red-Whites are on a certain emotional high after Abascal's departure. The team can loosen up and produce some bright games due to fresh emotions. Bookmakers expect Rostov to play from a position of strength. The odds look equal. The bold style of the southerners is a joy for the guests. It is doubtful that Karpin's team will easily crush the Muscovites with pressing.