Rubin Kazan v Wolfsburg
Football: Europa League 2009/2010.1/8 finals.1st leg.
Thursday,11th March 2010. Kickoff 19:00

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Rubin Kazan

Despite the big status of the Super Cup final in Moscow against CSKA, Kurban Berdyev decided to rest many of his key players before the 1/8 final of the Europa League. The semi-reserve squad still had enough quality to come out on top against Russia’s Champions League ambassadors.

A narrow 1-0 victory was achieved over CSKA Moscow through Alexandr Bukharov’s first half shot after CSKA’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev awkwardly set him up with a poor clearance.

Rubin had little problems with Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the previous round. All matters were decided in the first match in Kazan where the Russian side had dismantled the opposition with 3 goals to nil. Return fixture had thus become just a formality.

Before the visit of current Bundesliga title-holders Rubin is without their captain Sergey Semak. The veteran midfielder was used behind Bukharov in the opening games as a cover for the departed Alejandro Dominguez. Now his absence surely represents a major problem for Berdyev.

It is likely that Turkish striker Hasan Kabze shall be assigned to deputise as an attacking midfielder. In the Super Cup final against CSKA he had exactly the same role.

Expected formation and line up :
Rubin Kazan (4-2-3-1)
Ryzhikov
Kaleshin, Salukvadze, Navas, Ansaldi
Noboa, Murawski
Karadeniz, Semak or Kabze, Kasaev
Bukharov

Unavailable
R.Sharonov, A.Ryazantsev

Doubtful
S. Semak

VFL Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg season is still in decline as current Bundesliga title-holders are only 10th on the domestic front and the Europa League prospects are not particularly bright.

The German side is travelling to Kazan without hugely important goalkeeper Benaglio and Brazilian striker Grafite. Karim Ziani and Andrea Barzagli are also unavailable, but their absence is less significant.

This is Wolfsburg’s second trip to Russia during the current European season. Earlier back in late Fall the Wolves were defeated in Moscow by CSKA 1-2. Since then Wolfsburg’s directors parted company with Armin Veh and had appointed Lorenz-Guenther Koestner. New coach has somehow improved the situation, especially as the defensive line is concerned.

Wolfsburg quite easily sent Villarreal out of the competition in the previous round. At the week-end Bochum got beaten 4-1 at the VW Arena. The victory was overshadowed by subsequent injuries to Barzagli and Grafite.

Expected formation and line up :
Wolfsburg (4-3-1-2)
Hitz,
Riether, Ricardo Costa, Madlung, Schaefer,
Josue, Dejagah, Gentner
Misimovic,
Edin Dzeko, Obafemi Martins

Unavailable
K. Ziani, A. Barzagli, Grafite, D. Benaglio.

Doubtful
E. Dzeko

Betting advice

The frozen pitch in Kazan may have its' final word on the outcome of the match and, I suppose, Rubin should be the one to adapt to the conditions easier.Grafite's absence is a huge blow to Wolfsburg's offensive potential, of course.

Kurban Berdyev has already proved what a wise and skilfull specialist he is. The coaching duel should obviously be decided in his favor.

The -0.25 handicap is perhaps a bit too safe, but on the other hand I wouldn't take a straight home victory. Mainly due to the pitch conditions.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Rubin Kazan (AH -0.25) @ 1.65 with Bet365