Rubin Kazan vs Akhmat Grozny tips and predictions

Odds stand out for Rubin Kazan on own paddock

On 29 Premier League points, eigth placed Rubin Kazan host 12th placed Akhmat Grozny. The visitors will be looking to close the gap. Will they be adding to their 20 points?

What happens here is anyone's guess. If you're thinking this is a formality it's worth pinpointing some of the data. The emphasise is on the home win but this won't be for the feint-hearted. Nevertheless, they're picked to come through.

For Rubin Kazan to come through this challenge they'll need to build on the positives of their recent displays. The hosts have picked up 6 wins from 11 matches. By contrast, the visitors have been defeated in 7 of their last 12 matches, home or away. That doesn't look like the recent record of a squad that will fancy their chances.

Looking ready for battle, the home side has been spirited in defence and they are only conceding an average of 0.5 goals over their last 11 games. Conversely, the visitors look a little vulnerable in defence. Away from home Akhmat Grozny have conceded at least once in all of their last 7 campaigns. It will be interesting to see how they pull-up on the back of these recent showings.

You'll be aware that Rubin Kazan have won all of the last 3 fixtures between the two sides. The head-to-head stats are reasons for confidence in them.

It's not a confident prediction though. They may end up in deadlock. The match could develop into a war of attrition with the two sides ultimately cancelling each other out. It's not a strong view so maybe give it a miss but the No BTTS bet could be sensible.