Zenit - Rubin Kazan' predictions

It’s quite easy to predict that Zenit will take the 3 points here. Though a different result is not entirely impossible, it would still be quite a notable upset.

From the present standpoint, the situation is clear as day. Considering the strength of Zenit and the 9.85 odds given to Rubin Kazan' to win, it is easy to conclude that a victory for the visiting team would be a surprising upset.

Zenit are coming on the back of a strong 0:2 victory at Olimpiyets last round. They were the hard favourites going in, though, with prices for their victory hovering around 8.92. Interestingly, the two teams were tied after the first half, and Zenit built up the entire goal difference in the latter 45 minutes.

Rubin Kazan' are coming on the back of a narrow home win against Akhmat Grozny in the previous round. Akhmat Grozny were tagged as favourites by most online bookmakers going in, so the 1:0 victory is quite a success for Rubin Kazan'.

The hosts have been careful not to let their goalscoring stats slip. They’ve scored more than 5 times during the last 3 matches, indicating consistent offensive results.

Rubin Kazan'’s recent matches have been relatively uneventful. The previous two, for instance, ended with less than 2 goals at the final whistle.

We see several draws on record between these two teams in the past season alone. Zenit may be the favourites, but it’s becoming very clear that they can’t easily beat Rubin Kazan'.

Sunday's match will see both teams at their strongest, with no players missing due to injury or suspension.

Despite the risks involved, the strongest prediction in terms of value is an HT/FT bet that the hosts will take lead in the second half. It’s as risky as you might expect, though the 1.32 odds offer a decent return.