Rotor Volgograd vs Neftekhimik

Both clubs meet in Russia's Pervaya Liga (FNL) with contrasting fortunes. Rotor Volgograd sit sixth with 10 points from six rounds, holding a foothold in the top half of the table, while Neftekhimik sit down in 14th on just six points and already need a response. Rotor arrive unbeaten in recent weeks, having drawn 1-1 at home with Ural, though they finished that game a man down after Emerson's red card; Artem Simonian opened the scoring and remains a player to watch in midfield. Neftekhimik go the other way, coming off a heavy 5-1 defeat at Nizhny Novgorod, a big step back after Vasily Aleynikov's early strike had earned a 1-0 win over Tekstilschik the round before. Historically Rotor hold the edge, winning five of the last nine meetings, including both of the last two encounters between the sides. Our prediction: 2-1