Rubin Kazan vs Anzhi Makhachkala - Low scoring match expected in Kazan

Mat Marshall

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Last updated: 17 Oct 2019

Mat Marshall 17 Oct 2019

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Rubin Kazan have done little to justify heavy favouritism

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Rubin Kazan have seen under 2.5 goals in 12 of their 14 Russian Premier League home matches this season (Getty Images)

Rubin Kazan vs Anzhi Makhachkala Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Rubin Kazan host Anzhi Makhachkala at the Kazan Arena with two matches remaining in the Russian Premier League. These clubs are among the lowest scorers in Russia and I am fading the short priced hosts, I think there is value on taking Anzhi in the +2 handicap market and backing under 2.5 goals at 2.00.

FC Rubin Kazan Form & Team News

The Red-Greens have been draw specialists in 2018-19 with 14 of their 28 Russian Premier League games ending in a stalemate. Failing to convert their chances means Kurban Berdyev’s side are in no man’s land with nothing to play for in their final two games.

Rubin Kazan’s last match was a 4-0 defeat at Lokomotiv Moscow. Down 2-0 after 10 minutes, midfielder Vyacheslav Podberezkin was sent off after half time which effectively ended the contest.

The 2008 and 2009 Russian Premier League champions have struggled to score this season, particularly after striker Sardar Azmoun was sold to Zenit St. Petersburg in early February. They have scored 13 goals in 14 home matches whilst conceding nine, no wonder 12 of those games have seen under 2.5 goals.

Podberezkin is suspended, central defender Vladimir Granat and striker Aleksandr Bukharov are both injured. Rubin Kazan are short odds to get the win at 1.15, there is no value there so you would need to look to the -1 handicap market at 1.61, a result that has occurred once in Rubin Kazan’s last 16 home games in the Russian Premier League.

azmoun rubin — Rubin Kazan have struggled for goals since Sardar Azmoun was sold to Russian Premier League rivals Zenit St. Petersburg (Getty Images)

FC Anzhi Makhachkala Form & Team News

The Eagles’ horror season is almost over and relegation beckons for Magomed Adiev’s side. Financial mismanagement has left this club on the brink and it will be a long way back from the Russian Football National League.

Anzhi Makhachkala have lost eight and drawn two of their last 10 Russian Premier League matches. They lost 1-0 against Arsenal Tula at home last time out. Strikers Andrés Ponce and Pavel Dolgov failed to take their chances, a familiar tale this season.

Central defender Dmitri Belorukov is still injured but left-back Roland Gigolaev returns from suspension which is a boost for the visitors. Central midfielder Vladislav Kulik has been one of Anzhi’s best performers this season, he could be back here which would be another positive for Adiev’s side.

Bookmakers are giving Anzhi Makhachkala little chance in Kazan with an away win on offer at 19.00. Anzhi have drawn their last two matches against Rubin Kazan, a repeat performance can be backed at 7.50 at bet365.

Rubin Kazan vs Anzhi Makhachkala Head to Head

Nothing separates these clubs who are tied at 7-7 in the head to head and three draws. The last two Russian Premier League encounters have been 1-1 draws including the reverse fixture in November.

Igor Kalinin put Rubin Kazan ahead with Pavel Dolgov equalising for Anzhi not long after. Rubin Kazan dominated the match but led the shots on target count 2-1 despite having 22 shots to Anzhi’s six.

Rubin Kazan vs Anzhi Makhachkala Match Up

Rubin Kazan have scored 24 goals this season and the departed Azmoun accounted for four of them. Central defender Egor Sorokin is their leading scorer with six goals.

It’s a similar story for Anzhi Makhachkala who have the worst attack in the Russian Premier League. Just 13 goals in 28 matches tells the story this season, Andrés Ponce leads the way with five goals.

Andrés Ponce — Andres Ponce is Anzhi Makhachkala's top scorer in the Russian Premier League this season with five goals (Getty Images)

Rubin Kazan vs Anzhi Makhachkala Key Statistics

Rubin Kazan have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 11 competitive home matches (all competitions).
Rubin Kazan have seen under 2.5 goals in 12 of their 14 home matches this season (Russian Premier League).
Rubin Kazan have drawn 5 of their last 8 home matches (Russian Premier League).
Rubin Kazan have drawn their last 2 matches against Anzhi Makhachkala (Russian Premier League).
Anzhi Makhachkala have seen under 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 matches against Rubin Kazan (Russian Premier League).
Anzhi Makhachkala have seen under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches (Russian Premier League).

Verdict

Rubin Kazan are very short favourites here, but they rarely win by big margins and have trouble scoring goals. Anzhi Makhachkala appear to be the perfect potion for their ills, but they have managed to keep things tight in recent matches.

Taking Anzhi in the +2 handicap market is tempting and I will also take a punt on under 2.5 goals at 2.00.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 at bet365 - 3 Units

Handicap Tip: Anzhi Makhachkala +2 Handicap @ 2.20 at bet365 - 3 Units

Value Bet: Under 1.5 Goals @ 4.00 at bet365 - 1 Unit