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The return of continental competitions this week has not been a happy one for the Russian clubs so far, with CSKA and Zenit both losing on their travels. Here’s hoping that Thursday’s Russian clubs can fare a little better in the Europa League, with Anzhi, Kuban and Rubin all in action.
FC Sheriff v Anzhi (Group K)
Anzhi were drawn into a group alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Tromso and Thursday’s opponents Sheriff Tiraspol from Moldova.
Anzhi come into this game in poor form, this severe drop in form compared to last season is somewhat inevitable due to owner Suleyman Kerimov drastically cutting costs. This led to a mass exodus of star players such as Samuel Eto’o, Willian, Mbark Boussoufa and Chris Samba, along with many others leaving the club. Anzhi were originally expected to be challenging for a place in the top two before the owner announced his intentions to massively reduce the club’s running budget.
Contrast
Despite this, though, Anzhi will still feel as though they can do enough to progress from the group. The games against Tromso and Thursday’s counterparts Sheriff, will be key as the Tottenham games will be extremely tough for a depleted Anzhi squad. Sheriff are a side in top form, and they currently sit top of the Moldovan Premier Division after a 7-0 hammering of Academica at the weekend. This is in contrast to Anzhi, who currently sit 3rd bottom in the RPL.
Tactics and Injury Concerns
Anzhi will probably line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with key players Jucilei and Akhmedov in the centre of midfield, supporting star man Lacina Traore who will most likely return to the side today.
The defense will be pretty similar to the team that drew with Tom at the weekend, with Angbwa using his pace to support and balance the side from right back. Anzhi have a few injury concerns with Maksimov, Eschenko and new signings Razak and Demidov unavailable. The Dagestan club will have to watch out for Brazilians Cadu, Jhulliam and Ricardinho who have been in good form for the hosts.
Prediction
This will be a close match with both sides knowing they will need points in this fixture if they have any chance of progressing, however the fear of losing may make this a cagey encounter. If Anzhi perform well they could just pinch a win but it will be a tough match for them.
Prediction: FC Sheriff 1-1 Anzhi
St Gallen v Kuban Krasnodar (Group A)
Kuban were drawn into a tricky group, including: Valencia, Swansea City and Thursday’s opponents, St Gallen.
Kuban will feel quietly confident that they can get through a challenging group, having spent well over the summer despite losing the quality of Ionov, bringing in players such as Djibril Cisse, Lorenzo Melgarejo and Mohammed Rabiu. These new signings, added to the firepower of the squad which served Kuban well last campaign could well make a difference in the Europa League.
Comparisons and Contrasts
Kuban come into this match having only lost 1 in 5 in all competitions, a narrow 1-0 defeat at Lokomotiv last weekend and currently sit mid table in the RPL. Thursday’s opening opponents St Gallen are also in good form, winning their last 3 in all competitions, including a shock 4-2 win away at Spartak Moscow, which knocked the Russian giants out of Europe this season. Both sides will feel as though this game is one which they can win, and if Kuban were to get the maximum points in Switzerland, it would put them in a good position to welcome Valencia in the next game.
Tactics and Injury Concerns
The ‘Kazaki’ will probably line up in a variation of a 4-5-1 with Popov supporting either Balde or Cisse up top. Kuban’s back line is likely to be similar to the one that started v Lokomotiv at the weekend. It is important that the striker, whoever it may be, does not get isolated if Kuban want to take all three points in Switzerland. Kuban have recent starter Khubulov out injured, whilst Ignatiev is also sidelined. The vistors will have to watch out for strikers Karanovic and Keita who have impressed thus far.
Prediction
A difficult start for Kuban but this is, on paper, the easiest away tie, so they will be hoping for a positive result. They definitely have the resources but will need to be wary of a St Gallen side which defeated Spartak over two legs.
Prediction: St Gallen 1-2 Kuban Krasnodar
Maribor v Rubin Kazan
Rubin were drawn into a group which should enable them to advance, alongside Wigan, Zulte Waregem and Thursday’s counterparts Maribor.
Rubin have had an up and down start to the season, currently sitting 8th in the RPL. The side from Kazan recruited some decent players this summer, players such as Wakaso and Mukhametshin joined whilst they managed to keep hold of talented front man Salomon Rondon.
Comparisons and Contrasts
The Slovenians sit top of the SNL, 5 points clear of second placed Zavrc, so they are in fine form ahead of the visit of Rubin. Maribor won their last league game away at Domzale at the weekend and are comfortably the best team in Slovenia. Rubin drew 0-0 at Amkar at the weekend, a scoreline which they picked up too many times last campaign. Rubin did very well to beat Molde 5-0 on aggregate to qualify for the group stages so they will be hoping to take this kind of mentality into the group stages.
Tactics and Injury Concerns
Rubin have no real injury concerns so they should have a strong squad to take to Slovenia. I expect them to start off in a 4-5-1 with Berdyev packing the midfield as Yann M’Vila and Natkho are expected to start. Rondon will start up front, supported by Eremenko and one of Torbinsky and Ryazantsev. The visitors will have to watch out for Maribor’s danger men – Mendy, Crnic and Marcos Tavares.
Prediction
Rubin will feel as though they should win this group. Away games are always challenging but Rubin have the squad to trouble all the teams in the group. As long as Berdyev doesn’t approach the game too negatively, I expect a Rubin win.
Prediction: Maribor 0-2 Rubin