Rubin.Kazan-Zenit.St.Petersburg
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 21st November 2009. Kickoff 12:00

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Rubin(1st) HOME 9-1-4 31:11

Rubin needs one final step (win) to clinch the title for a second consecutive year. Rafal Murawski has shaken off a minor knock, meaning Kurban Berdyev is once again with a full squad before decisive fixture. Rubin can even be crowned champions in case of a loss to Zenit, should Spartak suffer a defeat in their match against CSKA.

Kurban Berdyev will have to set priorities right on Saturday. Rubin is on the verge of a highly important fixture in the Champions’ League and one could consider resting some key-players. Most probably Berdyev will stick to his best 11 and try to secure the title before the trip to Krasnodar a week later.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
Rubin will attempt to win the midfield battle as certainly the key to success against Zenit lies in center of the pitch. Extra pressure should be put on the left flank of visitors’ defense, where aged Radek Sirl will have a hard time stopping pacy Karadeniz. Though, to be honest, Turk international is out of form ever since the 0-0 draw against Barcelona.

Some of Rubin players had the guts to proclaim themselves as champions after the 0-2 victory against CSKA. This could be a bad sign if it wasn’t for the experience of the squad. Very unlikely for them to get carried away.

Last match analysis CSKA-Rubin 0-2
Naturally the tempo of the match was relatively slow as both teams had midweek fixtures in the Champions’ League. CSKA looked more dangerous and vigor in attack combining well through Krasic and Dzagoev. Army-men advantage doubled after the break and it took some heroics from Sergey Ryzhikov to twice deny Maazu from definite goals. But as it often happens in football – if you don’t score – you concede. A dead-ball situation on the corner of CSKA’s penalty area was sent goalwards by Dominguez and the ball ended up at the back of the net after a flick on by Cesar Navas. Alexand Bukharov increased the lead with his 40 meter effort which flew over Akinfeev.

Rubin had to play without regular center back Roman Sharonov, who caught the flu day prior to the game. As a result Lasha Salukvadze, nominal right back, was sent out to partner Cesar Navas. Experimental duo had a tough time resisting CSKA’s attacks and continually provided too many free zones. Christian Ansaldi successfully neutralized in-form Milos Krasic on his flank. All in all Rubin was considerably fortunate to clinch a victory in Moscow.

Zenit (3rd) AWAY 5-4-5 24:17

Zenit will need a miracle to reach the top 3 and qualify for Champions’ League in the remaining two rounds as they are scheduled to face Rubin and Spartak Moscow. Danny, Jin and Huszti remain unavailable.

I expect Anatoly Davydov to use the traditional for Zenit’s road games 4-3-3 formation. Mateja Kezman will be sacrificed to the bench and kept under the sleeve as a secret weapon. Igor Semshov might get the chance to feature in the center of midfield.

Tactic/Mood/Confidence
Zenit’s recent games have been too academical and received deserved criticism from supporters. I can’t see anything being changed under the current manager. Zenit is having a hard time unlocking tactically educated teams, such as Moskva (0-1 loss 3 weeks ago).

Last match analysis Zenit-Terek 2-0
Home side put the visitors under immense pressure right from the start in an attempt to secure the positive result as early as possible.

resistance lasted for 25 minutes until Fatik Tekke scored yet another goal in what is turning out to be an autumn of renaissance for the Turkish international striker. 13 minutes later his shot was eventually turned into an own net by Brazilian defender Cleber.

The second half had a dull outlook mostly due to Terek’s unwillingness to march forward. Zenit controlled the ball trying to set someone for a 100% finish. Eventually Mateja Kezman saw his goal cancelled due to an offside decision and the bar stepped in to help Dickan’ out.

It was business as usual for Zenit in the match against Terek. Having played only one part of the match with maximum commitment hosts cruised to victory in the second half. Vladymir Bystrov under performed for a 2nd consecutive game and once again raised concerns about the ongoing conflict with Zenit’s Ultras. Probably the negative attitude has affected his morale after all. In this case playing on the road may be an easier task for the impulsive winger.

Betting advice

Rubin has the advantage here as their squad was on short holidays during the break and not many players were involved in international fixtures.

On the other hand Zenit’s Russian colony is expected to be subdued by the loss to Slovenia on Wednesday.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Rubin (0) @ 1.53 with Bet365