Russian League
2009-09-20 - Tom Tomsk vs Rubin Kazan
A Sports Betting Pick by Pantocrator
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Sunday, 20th September 2009 - 09:45
Tom Tomsk
Tom Tomsk is making a habit of collapsing on the road. After a 0-0 home draw against Moskva two weeks ago, Valery Nepomniashiy traveled to Grozniy only to be beaten 0-4 on the night and register their 4 heavy defeat of the season.
A controversial penalty against the Siberian which was given in the end of the first half must have broke players’ spirits as they virtually stopped playing in the second 45 minutes.
Perhaps the absence of injured captain Vitaliy Klimov effected as there was no leader on the pitch to pull the guys back together. Reserve keeper Poliakov also could’ve done better, but he can hardly be blamed for the conceded goals.
Klimov is still a major concern for Siberians as they attempt to at least find the net and break a 2 match goalless streak. Valery Nepomniashiy has admitted presence of psychological problems inside the team and relished hopes of welcoming back Radoslavlevic, Yanotovskiy, Smirnov and Pareiko. The group of regulars, who were out of the previous clash, should boost home team’s confidence.
Rubin Kazan
Rubin might have psychological issues of their own to solve after 1-3 defeat in the Champions’ league brought them back to earth. High flying champions have no serious opponents in the domestic league, which they have proved once again by crashing Saturn 5-1 in the previous round.
But in Kiev, Rubin was virtually standing in their own half for the majority of 90 minutes. Alejandro Domingues scored with Russians’ only shot on target and then it looked as though visitors ran out of gas. Numerous turnovers, poor movement – probably that was Rubin’s worst match of the season.
The main question now is how will the heavy loss influence Division leaders? Will Berdyev opt to rotate the starting 11, which has been constant throughout recent games?
Rubin is still doing remarkably well to keep all their leaders fit, so no forced changes will be made. Macbet Sibaya who missed the Champions’ league clash through suspension should take his usual defensive midfielder position.
Betting advice
A lot of people predict Rubin will have a tough time in Siberia.
This was the case when Saturn played in Kazan' a week ago, which ended in a 1-5 nightmare for the visitors. The longer Rubin remains unbeaten - the more speculation will build around upcoming highly anticipated loss.
But since I have started "fishing" for their set-back - I have to continue
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Pick Tom Tomsk (+0.5) @ 2.01
