FK Rostov v Rubin Kazan
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Sunday, 25th October 2009. Kickoff 17:00

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FK Rostov (11th) Home 3-7-2 13:11

Rostov got off to where they stopped. Prior to the visit to Chechnya, the southern club unfortunately drew level 2-2 against Moskva having played one of the best games in the current season. Similar fashion was shown against Terek in Grozny, the place where majority of Premier League teams dream to at least get a draw.

Gatstkan, Pavlenko and Ahmetovic were on target for Rostov as they stormed to a 3-0 lead at half time. After the interval Terek traditionally pushed forward and could have scored more than just an odd goal. However it finished 1-3 in the end and has officially put an end to any relegation threats to Rostov.

Rostov can finally count on Hong En Cho to offer more variability in attack. Mersudin Ahmetovic looked productive as he played instead of regular lone striker Dmitry Akimov.

Rostov should be confident enough going into the game and despite facing a top team like Rubin will likely take the match under control. Just a reminder, that the first match in Kazan finished in a surprising 0-2 defeat for Russian reigning champions.

Rubin Kazan (1st) Away 7-4-1 24:9

Rubin has one point advantage over Spartak. Come off a shocker win at Camp Nou on Wednesday. Team captain Sergey Semak is not available, while Alexandr Bukharov is expected to feature despite a wrist injury.

Rubin maintained a 1 point advantage over chasing Spartak Moscow as they victoriously finished their “friendly” game against Khimki 2-1. Rubin presented a number of bench warmers in the starting 11. Still it was enough to easily overcome virtually relegated Khimki. Alan Kasaev had an inspirational performance as he marked his return from a minor injury. Having gone 2-0 up Rubin relaxed and allowed Khimki to score a cancellation goal.

Alexandr Bukharov was carried off in a stretcher after just 2 minutes. Gokdeniz Karadeniz was effective as usual in the build-up as he set up Hasan Kabze’s opening goal. Difficult to analyze a virtually friendly game, which was played against Khimki.

Rubin can’t allow any rotation this time around, as the competitors have a relatively easy week-end and look certain to obtain all 3 points. Thus Kurban Berdyev should name his best 11.

Perhaps Ryazantsev and Noboa could be sent to the bench, and Sibaya and Kasaev would deputize respectively. Playing counter attacking football is something that Rubin loves to do best, so extra hopes will be connected with pacy Karadeniz.

Betting advice

What can I say here? First of all, bookies consider this match to be fixed. Probably the surprising 0-2 defeat in Kazan earlier this season has done the trick.This is why the odds for Rubin's straight victory look so funny.

I shall go against the match fixing theory here and pick hosts with +1 hp. They played a superb game vs. Terek and in front of home fans must be really motivated to upset the team which has conquered Barcelona.

But, please do notice that this match is dodgy.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Rostov (+1) @ 1.68 with Bet365, or @ 1.68 with Ladbrokes.