Inter Milan-Rubin Kazan
Football: Champions League 2009/2010
Wednesday, 9th December 2009. Kickoff 20:45

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Inter Milan (Italy)

Inter should be thankful to the draw between Rubin and Dynamo in the 5th round, which now puts Italian champions in pole position for qualification from the group. All that is required - a win against the Russian surprise package.

The task may not be so easy after all if we closely look at the numbers: Inter have won not at home in the UEFA Champions League since defeating Anorthosis Famagusta FC 1-0 on 22 October last year. Moreover Jose Mourinho should be aware that Rubin Kazan has performed at its' best in the underdog status.4 collected points against Barcelona, a draw vs. Inter in Kazan, but just 1 point from 2 fixtures against less powerful Dynamo.

The Special One knows his manager position is at stake and surely will motivate his team to the maximum.Inter are without young prodigy David Santon and unsettled Ricardo Quaresma. The only creative midfielder, Wesley Sneijder, will be a last-minute decision.Romanian left back Cristian Chivu is suspended.

Expected formation and line up :
Inter Milan (4-4-2)
Julio Sergio
Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti
Motta, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Snejder
Milito, Eto'o

Rubin Kazan (Russia)

Rubin Kazan should be still regretting the unused opportunity, which they had in the previous round. The decisive home fixture against Dynamo Kiev came at the wrong time as Kurban Berdyev’s had just celebrated the domestic championship title. Now, relaxed and recovered, Rubin arrive in Milan knowing that only a victory or a high-scoring draw (2-2 et cetera) would grant them a ticket to the play-offs. Roman Sharonov and Alexandr Bukharov are sidelined with injuries.

Kurban Berdyev will have to re-shuffle his starting order due to the absence of important regulars. Roman Sharonov should be substituted by man-marking specialist Lasha Salukvadze in the center of defense. Georgians’ right back position will be covered by Vitaly Kaleshin. Whereas for the attacking line: Gokdeniz Karadeniz and Alejandro Domingues will play at the lone-striker position in turns. Either Alan Kasaev or Pyotr Bystrov shall occupy the winger position. If the latter starts – Ryazantsev should be moved to the right flank.

Rubin showed how they can destroy oppositions’ attacks, but at the same time failed to win against Dynamo on both occasions allowing the Ukranian champions to grab 4 points in the h2h duel. What I mean to say is that reaching the necessary result, when its’ needed, is an issue for Rubin due to low UCL experience. Expect to see the Camp-Nou tactical approach. Back then Rubin was also short of Alexandr Bukharov.

Expected formation and line up :
Rubin Kazan (4-2-3-1)
Ryzhikov,
Kaleshin, Salukvadze, Navas, Ansaldi
Semak, Noboa
Ryazantsev, Karadeniz, Bystrov
Dominguez

Betting advice

I would rate even a draw result quite supernatural for UCL debutants and for a team, which has already recorded a shocking win at the Camp Nou.

Success at the San Siro for Rubin Kazan would come not just a fairy tale - but a true miracle.

Sharonov's absence is absolutely vital for the defensive line. If we also consider that Italian teams are traditionally tough opponents for any Russian outfit - I would suggest betting against Rubin here.

The Statistics :

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Inter (-0.75) @ 1.64 with Bet365