Rubin Kazan can all but secure the first place in the standings by defeating second-placed Wigan Athletic, and that is exactly what the hosts will be looking to achieve.

Meanwhile, the Latics will attempt to extend their unbeaten run in Europe to four games and thus edge closer to the knockout stages.

Rubin Kazan have developed into genuine European giants over the years and they continue to impress in Europe’s top competitions.

While team’s league campaign is not exactly going according to plan, with Kurban Berdyev’s side currently in 12th place in the standings, team’s Europa League performances have left little to be desired.

Rubin recorded six straight victories to secure their place in the group stages, before extending the magnificent run with comfortable triumphs over Maribor and Zulte Waregem.

The winning streak did come to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan, but it is hardly surprising the Russian side are just 1.44 (4/9) to return to winning ways.

Kurban Berdyev’s men are going through a very rough patch at the moment, having gone five games without a win, but their immense European experience could prove to be the key.

Apart from long-term casualty Salomon Rondon, the hosts have no other selection problems ahead of the clash with Wigan.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ryzhikov – Kuzmin, Sharonov, Marcano, Mavinga – Kislyak, M’Vila – Torbinski, Eremenko, Ryazantsev – Prundnikov.

The FA Cup triumph last term was marred by club’s relegation from the Premier League, but it appears the Latics are slowly recovering from a major blow.

New boss Owen Coyle needed some time to rebuild the squad following some major departures, but the team are finally returning to the right track.

Home win over Huddersfield saw Wigan return into contention for play-off places, while the Latics have done surprisingly well in their European campaign.

The goalless draw at Zulte-Waregem was followed by 3-1 triumph over Maribor, while the team also gave a good account of themselves in the 1-1 draw with rock-solid Rubin Kazan.

Wigan can now make a giant step towards the knockout stages by avoiding defeat in Kazan and they are 3.00 (2/1) not to lose this match.

In the absence of Ali Al-Habsi and Scott Carson, youngster Lee Nicholls is set to start between the sticks, while Gary Caldwell, Shaun Maloney and Ivan Ramis also miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Nicholls – Boyce, Barnett, Shotton, Perch – Watson, McCann, Gomez – McManaman, Powell – Fortune.