CSKA.Moscow-Rubin.Kazan
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Sunday, 7th November 2009. Kickoff 12:00

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CSKA (5th) Home 8-1-4 23:11

Leonid Slutsky got off to a flying start with his new team by defeating visitors Terek 1-0. The offensive line is seriously weakened following the injuries to Gonzalez, Guilherme, Oliseh and the suspension of virtually only available striker – Tomas Necid. Right back Chidi Odiah comes back after suspension. Guilherme has joined training on Friday, but is unlikely to be risked from the start.

Leonid Slutsky adjusted the starting line up in the Champions’ League fixture against Manchester in midweek. Alan Dzagoev was sent to the problematic left flank, while Pavel Mamaev moved into the attacking midfielder position. The idea worked better than the variant against Terek, so omit any possible fatigue – we can expect to see more of the same in Luzhniki.

Necid’s suspension is a severe blow, however Niger striker Moussa Maazu is still in the squad despite being not called upon for nearly 2,5 months.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
Rumors have started to build around this match. The reason behind it is the result of the first game in Kazan, where CSKA suddenly came out as winners after trailing 0-1. The inability to use Necid upfront will obviously force a change in Army men style of play.
CSKA looked better from the emotional point of view both against Terek and Manchester United. But the momentary affect should pass eventually.

Last match analysis. CSKA-Terek 1-0
New coach Leonid Slutsky did not make any drastic changes to the starting line up or the team’s formation. Slow fatso Daniel Carvalho appeared on the left flank of midfield as a forced measure. Brazilian played a good first half, though. That is the best his energy level could allow.

Tomas Necid was very wasteful in front of goal, despite getting himself on the scoresheet. Young striker had 2 or 3 fine opportunities to improve his personal tally. The back line was traditionally leaky. Georgy Schennikov continually got tortured on his left flank by counter part Katcaev.

Rubin (1st) Away 8-4-1 26-10

Rubin is hanging on the first place in style. Reining champions are going neck to neck with the only chasers Spartak Moscow. They are on the verge of 2 decisive fixtures against CSKA and Zenit, before entertaining relegated Kuban’ in the last round.

Rubin is coming off a midweek fixture against Barcelona, which saw them upset the world champions once again by holding them to a goalless draw. A very tough physical game is expected at Luzhniki stadium and Berdyev might make one or two changes to the line up.

Colombian Noboa looked beyond his usual quality level vs. Barcelona, thus Macbeth Sibaya should take over the defensive midfielder position. Vitaly Kaleshin might be preferred to less speedy Lasha Salukvadze as Berdyev attempts to neutralize in-form winger Milos Krasic.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
This will be Rubin’s 4th match of the year against CSKA and on previous three occasions they failed to win. Even having played against one man down opponent for majority of the Russian Cup final earlier this season.

Berdyev will rely on counter attacks to bring the result, but seeing main title competitors Spartak lose points yesterday may readjust the objective for the match. A draw would be a satisfactory result in current situation.

Don’t expect Rubin to get carried away by the positive results against Barcelona. Reining champions have their eyes set on the main target -1st place finish.

Last match analysis. Rubin-Krylia Sovetov 4-1
As soon as Rubin turned on their usual speed – opponents immediately fell apart. All in all it was a trademark win by Russian reining champions.

The score should not be overestimated since Krylia Sovetov virtually stopped any resistance after the 3rd goal. Gokdeniz Karadeniz looked as unstoppable as ever on the right and Bukharov’s return from a slight injury was marked with 2 goals.

Betting advice

Taking into consideration the suspiciousness around this match, I would tip Rubin to end the unfortunate streak of games against CSKA.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Rubin (0) @ 1.75 with Bet365