Europa League
2013-04-11 - Rubin Kazan vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: European Europa League
Thursday 11 April 2013 - Kick Off 5pm
This game is live on TV
Rubin Kazan
It looks like a big ask for Rubin Kazan to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg in London, especially as they will be playing in an unfamiliar stadium in Moscow rather than their real home. While the side are talking up their chances of coming back and earning the required win here, it is no doubt Chelsea that are in control of this tie and a place in the Semi Final.
It has been a good European campaign for Rubin Kazan, although they are in for a fight in Russia to finish in a position to re-enter the competition next season. Currently, Rubin do occupy one of the Europa League places in Russia, but they are only a point better off than Kuban just outside of the top five and there is plenty of work to be done.
As I said, Rubin have performed well in Europe to the extent that they beat Atletico Madrid, the reigning Europa League holders. Rubin Kazan also beat Inter Milan 3-0 here in the Group Stage of the competition, although they have failed to score in both of their knockout ties at home, while saw them lose to Atletico Madrid and draw with Levante before knocking out the latter in extra time.
Chelsea
With a 3-1 advantage to protect, Rafa Benitez has admitted that he will be making some changes to his first eleven in anticipation of the FA Cup Semi Final to be played on Sunday against Manchester City. That doesn't mean the side travelling to Russia will take things for granted, but the Spanish manager has a lot of experience in Europe when in a position like this and I would expect Chelsea see off the tie.
It is a testament to the squad that Chelsea are still fighting effectively on all three fronts left this season as they are in the Semi Final of the FA Cup, a chance to move into the Semi Final of the Europa League and also up to 3rd in the Premier League with Champions League football for next season the key. Chelsea have won 1 and lost 1 of their 2 away games in this competition so far.
Chelsea have only lost 1 of their last 7 games in all competitions and they have bounced back from a surprise defeat at Southampton by winning 3 games in a row, although all of those wins came at Stamford Bridge. The side have actually only won 1 of their last 5 away games, while they haven't won any of their last 3, losing 2 of those games.
Head to Head
This will be the first time that Rubin Kazan have hosted Chelsea, although the latter will be familiar with this stadium.
This is the same stadium in which Chelsea lost the 2008 Champions League Final against Manchester United.
Prediction
If I am only ever going to say one nice thing about Rafa Benitez and his ability as a manager, it would be that he is very much suited to European knock out football. Benitez knows exactly what his Chelsea side need to do here and I expect this game to be as tight as the first two away knock out ties they have played which have resulted in just 2 goals in total.
Chelsea's main focus will be on the game on Sunday against Manchester City and I think the eleven sent out in Russia will be told to make sure they keep things tight and don't offer the Russian side any encouragement.
The Under 1.5 goals could play a real part in this game as I can imagine Chelsea not pushing too far forward as their main concern will be avoiding conceding goals and that is my pick for the game.
The Pick :
Rubin Kazan 0-0 Chelsea
