Partizan will give their best to record the first win of the campaign and finish in third place, but beating very good Rubin side will be no easy task. Even if they have already secured the first place in the group, the Russians will attempt to continue their impressive run in Europe with three points from Belgrade.

Partizan utterly disappointing in Europe

Partizan have been the dominant force in Serbian football over the last few years and they are on the road to win their sixth successive Super League title. However, the lack of big games in domestic championship as well as the lack of quality and European experience of their players is proving to be a huge problem in European games. As a result, the Serbian champions picked up just 2 points from first 5 group games this term and they look highly unlikely to improve on that record against Rubin. While losing 10 of last 15 Europa League fixtures, Partizan also lost last four matches to their Serbian rivals Crvena Zvezda, a team seriously inferior to them, which clearly suggests they don’t know how to play those big games. With the atmosphere in the club at an all time low and the players unhappy over unpaid wages, Partizan clearly face an uphill task in this match.

First choice striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is suspended, while Nikola Ninkovic and Eduardo remain sidelined. Sasa Ilic should return to the starting line-up.

Rubin continue to impress

While doing really well to raise the club’s profile in Russia, Rubin Kazan officials were keen on doing the same in Europe, which is why the team have been taking their Champions League and Europa League campaigns very seriously. Such an approach allowed Rubin to beat mighty Inter Milan to the first place in the group, with the 3-0 win over the Neroazzurri certainly the highest point of their campaign. Rubin may not have much to play in Belgrade, having ensured the first place in the group, but after back to back setbacks against Volga and Dinamo Moscow ended their seven-match winning streak, Kurban Berdyev’s side will give their best to return to winning ways. Rubin Kazan are clearly not the sort of team that would take any game lightly, which is exactly why the Russians can be trusted to win at Stadion JNA.

Playmaker Roman Eremenko remains sidelined, but Kurban Berdyev has no fresh injury worries at the moment.

Verdict

Having failed to beat much weaker sides than Rubin in European competitions over the years, Partizan don’t look they can improve their dismal record in this match. With the Russians taking every single game seriously, I see a great value in betting on away win.

Top pick: Rubin Draw no bet   1.75 (3/4) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Away win   2.50 (3/2) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Under 2.5 goals   1.80 (4/5) @ SkyBet