Yes we Kazan? What to expect from Rubin
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Niall Farrell spoke to Russian football expert Eliot Rothwell, co-editor and founder of the excellent Slavic Football Union, about Shamrock Rovers' Europa League opponents Rubin Kazan.
NF: How will Rubin approach this match?
ER: In terms of formation, Kurban Berdyev will probably set his side out in a flexible 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation and - you would have thought - look to win the game, preferably early on so that Rubin's more important players can be given an added rest ahead of the clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Sunday.
Will Rubin hope to top the group? I would have thought Rubin will see Tottenham as the team that they will have to overcome to top the group but with Redknapp suggesting previously that he may use the competition to blood younger players and give his squad players a game, Rubin might see a chance to squeeze past Spurs in Tatarsan and then play for a draw at White Hart Lane.
How has their recent form been?
Rubin's recent form hasn't been very good at all. Out of their last five games in all competitions Rubin have lost two, drawn two and only won once, something that after recent years of success the Kazan fans aren't really familiar with. To cap it all off, in their most recent league game they were thumped 3-1 by ninth placed Krasnodar. But Berdyev has been lauded as a brilliant tactician for some time now and he has the nous to bring big performances out of his players at just the right time.
Which players should we look out for? There are a number of Rubin players that are worth watching and who can damage their Irish opponents. With five placed across the middle it's obvious that Rubin's midfield and in particular their wide players form a key part of the system. That's where Russian winger Alan Kasaev comes in. Kasaev can go either way on either foot and represents a dynamic and lung-busting presence on either flank. Never one to give up on a seemingly lost cause, he's created and netted a few Rubin goals this season through sheer opportunism and bravery.
As well as Kasaev, new Rubin signing Nelson Haedo Valdez may feature at some point, offering a similar work ethic to Kasaev but a keen sense of positioning and the technical grace to finish - as was evident for old side Hercules against Barcelona last season. Finally, and coming from the rear, we have the exciting overlapping Argentinean full-back Christian Ansaldi who's always prepared to give the attackers an extra outlet to progress the move.
NF: How will Rubin approach this match?
ER: In terms of formation, Kurban Berdyev will probably set his side out in a flexible 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation and - you would have thought - look to win the game, preferably early on so that Rubin's more important players can be given an added rest ahead of the clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Sunday.
Will Rubin hope to top the group? I would have thought Rubin will see Tottenham as the team that they will have to overcome to top the group but with Redknapp suggesting previously that he may use the competition to blood younger players and give his squad players a game, Rubin might see a chance to squeeze past Spurs in Tatarsan and then play for a draw at White Hart Lane.
How has their recent form been?
Rubin's recent form hasn't been very good at all. Out of their last five games in all competitions Rubin have lost two, drawn two and only won once, something that after recent years of success the Kazan fans aren't really familiar with. To cap it all off, in their most recent league game they were thumped 3-1 by ninth placed Krasnodar. But Berdyev has been lauded as a brilliant tactician for some time now and he has the nous to bring big performances out of his players at just the right time.
Which players should we look out for? There are a number of Rubin players that are worth watching and who can damage their Irish opponents. With five placed across the middle it's obvious that Rubin's midfield and in particular their wide players form a key part of the system. That's where Russian winger Alan Kasaev comes in. Kasaev can go either way on either foot and represents a dynamic and lung-busting presence on either flank. Never one to give up on a seemingly lost cause, he's created and netted a few Rubin goals this season through sheer opportunism and bravery.
As well as Kasaev, new Rubin signing Nelson Haedo Valdez may feature at some point, offering a similar work ethic to Kasaev but a keen sense of positioning and the technical grace to finish - as was evident for old side Hercules against Barcelona last season. Finally, and coming from the rear, we have the exciting overlapping Argentinean full-back Christian Ansaldi who's always prepared to give the attackers an extra outlet to progress the move.
About Niall Farrell
Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall's website for further information and contact details- niallf.net. View Full Profile