Rubin Kazan v Rostov
Football: Russian Premier League
Saturday, 16th October 2010. Kickoff 16:30 CET

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Rubin Kazan

Rubin has developed a very "warm" relationship with Rostov over the last 1,5 years. I still recall the memorable fixed match these sides played last season in Rostov-na-Donu, which finished 1-2 in future Russian champions favor. With an all important Champions League fixture in Athens coming up on Wednesday, Kurban Berdyev will be satisfied with dull 3 points more than seeing his side play entertaining football. Center back Sharonov remains a long-term injury for Rubin, while Kuzmin and Kaleshin are suspended.

Berdyev's tactical thoughts remain a complete misery. He could opt to rest some key players before the big match vs. Panathinaikos.

Striker Alexey Medvedev excelled during the 2-2 draw vs. Sibir winning a penalty and scoring a goal, so his chances of featuring instead of Belarusian teammate Kornilenko are quite high.

The right defensive flank will be entrusted to either Lasha Salukvadze or Yevgeniy Balyaikin. Kaleshin has been a prominent figure for Rubin during the last month on the left midfield flank, however his suspension hardly affects teams overall attacking potential. Alan Kasaev is ready to use the chance and win back his place in the starting 11.

Rostov

Financially troubled Rostov had a serious downtrend in recent month failing to hit the net for 3 consecutive league fixtures and earning just 1 point during this period. Intensive rumors about players wage debts were first brushed aside by club representatives, but now according to today's news they have started satisfying the debt.

So Rostov is flying to Kazan in high spirits. Midfielders Valikaev and Kulchiy are available for selection again, whereas center back Ghionea, right back Khagush and important striker Adamov are ineligible to feature. The latter two have been loaned to Rostov by Rubin and hence have a "can't play against own club" clause in the contract.

Only Adamov's absence can be considered as a serious blow. Cherkes and Zivanovic can equally compensate for unavailable Khagush and Ghioanea. Adamov will be replaced by Ibrahimovic look alike Ahmetovic, who can be a real threat on a good day with his peculiar technique.

Experienced veteran Kulchiy will return to the center of midfield after sitting out the 0-2 loss to CSKA through suspension. Although promising youngster Artur Valikaev has recovered from injury, he will most likely start from the bench as Moldavian international Gatscan offers more reliability.

Betting advice

Except for the high-scoring 2-2 draw in Novosibirsk Rubin has been playing dull unattractive football lately, taking their points through superior squad quality. Goals have been coming almost exclusively from set-pieces, so once again I think it may become the main weapon for Rubin.

On the other hand, Rostov has been playing very shy on the road all season. There has not been a single game where they had more of the ball or even tried to gain control of its possession.

Bottom line, this looks like an obvious under 2.50 goals affair.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Under 2.50 goals @ 1.87 with Bet365