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Thursday’s Europa League matches see a big chance for the Russian clubs involved to try and press for a place in the knockout rounds after Christmas. Kuban and Rubin both play at home, against Swansea and Wigan respectively. Struggling Anzhi travel to Norway to face Tromso in the late kick off. All 3 sides have a point to prove tonight, as they have all been struggling in the RPL.
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Can Cisse score against the Swans again?
Kuban v Swansea City
Thursday’s round 4 matches in Group A present a chance for Kuban to regain some pride and dignity, as it would take somewhat of a miracle for the Krasnodar club to qualify now. Kuban currently sit bottom of the group, 6 points behind tonight’s opponents Swansea. It was quite a surprise to everyone when Kuban managed to get a point in South-Wales a couple of weeks ago, and they will be hoping to build on that with 3 points here against a Swansea side who will be deflated after their Derby defeat to Cardiff at the weekend.
Kuban had a better fate in a local derby at the weekend, as they managed to beat city rivals FC Krasnodar 2-1, so they enter this match full of confidence. Kuban have moved up the table slightly, as they now sit 8th in the RPL table. However, Kuban like so many other RPL sides, lost to lower division opponents Zvezda Ryazan, in the Russian Cup a week ago. Swansea currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, after a very inconsistent season so far. Coach Laudrup will be hoping for a victory to almost guarantee qualification.
Team News and Tactics
Kuban could make some changes to the team that beat Krasnodar at the weekend, as coach Goncharenko looks to keep his squad happy. Cisse is likely to start up top, supported by Popov and possibly Bueno from behind. Gigi Bucur and Popov are likely to start and provide some creative influence for the hosts. Xandao and Dealbert are likely to be the central defensive partership which could come under a lot of threat from the visitors.
The visitors will be without talisman Michu, who is sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up against Cardiff at the weekend, so Wilfried Bony is likely to start up front for the Swans. Michel Vorm will probably start in goals as he was sent off at the weekend, so usual Europa League keeper Tremmel will be needed for domestic matches. Pozuelo and Routledge are likely to start, with Tiendalli and Canas also a possibility of making the starting 11.
Prediction: Kuban 1-1 Swansea
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Natkho is instrumental to Rubin
Rubin v Wigan Athletic
Rubin host Championship side Wigan in Kazan this evening, with the hosts looking to secure their place in the knockout stages. Last time out in Lancashire, Rubin drew 1-1 and were lucky to come away with a point. Berdyev will be hoping for a much better performance this evening, as his side have been really struggling lately.
At the weekend, Rubin drew in a rather drab 0-0 away to Rostov, and the Kazan side haven’t won for 5 games, a run which has seen them fall to a disappointing 12th in the RPL table. They also lost to a lower division side, Luch Vladivostok in the far east of the country in the Russian Cup. Berdyev is under real pressure and will need a positive result here.
Wigan have also been in disappointing form in the Championship, despite a 2-1 win over Huddersfield at the weekend, as they have only won 1 in 5 in all competitions. Owen Coyle has made some good signings at Wigan, especially the loan signings of Nick Powell and James McClean.
Team News and Tactics
Rubin are likely to start in a 4-5-1 formation, with Navas and Sharonov at the heart of the defense. Eremenko, Natkho and M’Vila will be the trio in the center of the pitch, and these 3 have the potential to cause Wigan problems. With the injuries to Rondon and Karadeniz, Berydev will probably opt for Mukhametshin and Toribnksy to take their places.
The visitors will probably start in a 4-5-1 formation, with Grant Holt spearheading the attack. Powell could take his place on the bench as Coyle tries not to overplay him. The talented McManaman will start on the wing supporting the attack. Crainey and Shotton are likely to be the fullbacks with Rogne partnered by Boyce or Barnett.
Prediction: Rubin 2-0 Wigan
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Tromso v Anzhi
Anzhi are a club in crisis, they currently sit bottom of the RPL, and with injury to star man Lacina Traore, they look to stay there for while. Their win over Tromso in Ramenskoye a fortnight ago, was their only win of a terrible season so far. Anzhi lost to lowly Ural at the weekend, another poor result for the Dagestan club. Coach Gadzhiev will be hoping that his team could repeat the performance against Tromso from last time. However, the freezing conditions in Norway and unfamiliar surroundings help shift the balance towards the home side.
Tromso have also had a really poor season, and they currently sit 2nd bottom in the Norwegian top division. A 0-0 draw against Stromsgodset at the weekend continues a really poor run for the hosts, who only have 1 win in 5.
Team News and Tactics
Anzhi are still without hitman Lacina Traore, who remains injured for the visitors. This means that Solomatin will probably start up front, with Razak expected to start behind him. The Ivorian has now made his initial loan switch permanent, and will be looking to impress here. Akhmedov and Jucilei will start in midfield and Angbwa and Ewerton could be recalled.
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.
Prediction: Tromso 1-0 Anzhi