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Thursday’s matches bring about the midway point of the Europa League group phase matches. This could be an important night for all of the clubs, as for one reason or another, they all have a point to prove. Anzhi are the only team to play on Russian soil tonight as they face Tromso in Ramenskoye, whilst Kuban and Rubin both travel to the UK to face Swansea City and Wigan respectively.
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Will Abdul Razak retain his Europa League starting spot?
Anzhi v Tromso
Anzhi are a team in chaos. They currently sit bottom of the RPL table, with just 6 points from 13 games so far. Dealing with such a peculiar transition from having a huge budget, to a relatively modest one, has been extremely tough for the Dagestan club. Players were sold left right and centre, and left Anzhi with an almost unrecognisable squad compared to the previous seasons. However, they will still feel as though they can qualify in 2nd place in this group, as Tottenham aside, Anzhi still have enough to challenge the other two teams, FC Sheriff and Thursday’s opponents Tromso, who sit 3rd bottom in the Norwegian Premier Division, despite winning against Viking at the weekend.
Team News and Tactics Coach Gadzhiev will be delighted to have a near full fit squad for this game against Tromso, with just Maksimov officially missing through injury. Having Lacina Traore available again will be a massive boost to Anzhi, as he is clinical when provided with chances. I expect Anzhi to start off in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Gatagov or Razak playing in behind hitman Lacina Traore. Jucilei and Ahmedov will be important (as ever) in controlling the game and transitioning defence to attack. It will be interesting to see who Gadzhiev opts to select at the heart of defence, as he does not seem to settle on a particular pairing, with 3 different ones in the last 4 games.
Tromso will probably start off in a 4-4-2 formation with top scorers Ondrasek and Johansen potentially starting together up front. Tromso coach Nilsen could also opt to play Johansen in midfield along with Bendiksen. Drage can be a threat from the wings, so Anzhi will have to be guarded.
Danger Men
Traore (Anzhi)- His presence was sorely missed when he was injured this season and it’s not difficult to see why with so many positive attributes. It can be argued that he is Anzhi’s only top drawer player now, and a lot of responsibility will fall on his shoulders in tonight’s game.
Ondrasek (Tromso)- The Czech U21 international is without doubt one of Tromso’s key players. Nicknamed ‘The Cobra’, Ondrasek is a clinical finisher and he scored Tromso’s only Europa League goal so far against FC Sheriff. Anzhi will have to prevent any chances going his way otherwise they will be punished.
Stat Zone
Tromso could easily have beaten Sheriff in the last match, but they were obviously outclassed against Tottenham. Here we take a look at Tromso’s stats in the Europa League thus far. Tromso EL stats:
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Can Popov inspire struggling Kuban tonight?
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Will Berydev recall Roman Eremenko to the starting 11 tonight?
Wigan Athletic v Rubin Kazan
Rubin, like the other Russian Europa League participants, have struggled domestically this year so far. They currently sit 10th in the RPL table, and lost 2-1 to perennial strugglers Volga at the weekend. Coach Berdyev has sort refuge in the Europa League this year, and their performances in this competition have been top drawer, winning both games so far and scoring 9 in the process. The team from Kazan will be hoping to expand on these results with another win in Lancashire tonight.
Wigan are in a strange situation for a club playing European football, as they are in the 2nd tier of English football as well as participating in the Europa League due to their FA cup success over Man City in May. Owen Coyle’s men will have so many games this year, that their form in all competitions will inevitably suffer and they currently sit mid table in the Championship. They have started the Europa League well though, with a draw in Belgium against Zulte and a solid home win over Maribor last time out.
Team News and Tactics
The hosts will probably start off in a 4-3-3 formation, with Barnett or on loan Stoke man Shotton partnering Rogne at the heart of defence. Coyle could choose to rotate his midfield by playing Espinoza instead of Jordi Gomez in this one. Grant Holt could return to the starting lineup, and spearhead the attack with Callum McManaman or Manchester Utd loanee Nick Powell supporting from the flanks.
Berdyev is still without top striker Salomon Rondon, so Mukhametshin could lead the line up front. He will probably be supported by wingers Torbinski and Karadeniz in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation. Star man Natkho will be in midfield alongside M’Vila and possibly Ryazantsev.
Danger Men
Powell (Wigan)- Nick Powell has a great future in the game, and has really caught the eye since his loan move from Manchester United. He possesses all the necessary attributes to make it a the top as he already has his own style of play where he drifts between the midfield and defence to cause problems. Whether as a substitute or a starter, Rubin’s backline will have to be wary of him.
Natkho (Rubin)- In the absence of star man Rondon, Natkho has been pulling the strings in this Rubin team. He has a great eye for a pass and also doesn’t mind getting stuck in. Wigan will have to watch out for his fantastic set pieces too.
Stats Zone
Here we take a look at Wigan’s stats in the Europa League so far.
Wigan: