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Rubin Kazan will aim to capitalize on the 3-2 first leg advantage and qualify in the Europa League playoffs over Austrian side Sturm Graz.
Rubin played a good game in Austria, proving to be the superior team even away from home – even if the Russians would have maybe wanted to add another goal after Sturm had a player sent off in the 70th minute. They did not, so qualification is still not decided and Rubin has to treat this game seriously in order to avoid a shock defeat. The Russians also need a win in order to gain some morale after a dreadful start of the season – 3 defeats in 3 matches and zero goals scored. They have the excuse of meeting strong opponents, but that can still not justify this horrendous start.
Sturm Graz is not doing much better, they drew both Bundesliga games so far against accessible opponents and face an uphill task if they want to repeat last year’s relative success, when they finish 4th. Sturm did not look to good in the first leg, they had some good moments but overall were second best and showed massive weaknesses in defense against a team that was struggling (and still is) to score goals. Sturm Graz also lost its best player Djuricin to Red Bull Salzburg this year.
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Team news: It`s unclear if Rubin will choose to rest a couple of players, my guess would be no, but either way a competitive lineup will be fielded. Sturm will miss key man, Schalke loanee Avdijaj, who is suspended after getting red carded in the first match. Another blow to their offense, already weakened by Djuricin’s departure earlier in the year.
Rubin obviously doesn`t need the win here, but they have no choice but to treat this game seriously and given Sturm Graz’s low quality and weak form, I believe the Russians will win again. Sturm Graz is not Salzburg and not Rapid Vienna, who are competitive in Europe, but are in a league of their own in Austria. It will be tough for them to approach such a match and I expect a number of defensive blunders again, especially as Sturm can`t sit back and defend. It should be enough to allow Rubin to take the win by exploiting those mistakes.
My tip is Rubin Kazan to win straight up. Traveling to Kazan will also be tough for the visitors. Odds are pretty good on a Rubin win, so an 8 unit bet seems like a reasonable investment to make. Prediction: Rubin Kazan – Sturm Graz 2-0.
Pick: Rubin Kazan
Odds: 1.75 @ SmartLive Sports
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6
Event date: 6 August
