Rubin Kazan showed a lot of promise at White Hart Lane even if they ended up losing the game 1:0, so this will be a perfect opportunity to build on that performance and get revenge on Tottenham. Spurs, on the other hand, are very close to the knockout stages with Harry Redknapp set to field another under-strength side.

A great chance for Rubin

Rubin Kazan have really raised the club profile over the last few years, with back to back Russian Premier League titles and some impressive showings in Europe’s top competition definitely something to be proud of. Operating under the strict command of coach Kurban Berdyev, Rubin continue to impress, and we can say they were really unlucky to lose the game at White Hart Lane. The club from Tatarstan proved that they are very hard to beat, while creating a host of clear-cut chances against their more illustrious opponents on their own ground. Taking that into consideration as well as team’s impressive performances of late, Rubin will have a great chance to beat under-strength Tottenham at their Central’nyj Stadion in Kazan, with cold Russian winter set to play a part as well.

Coach Berdyev is likely to field the same side that started the Rostov game at the weekend, meaning that Haedo Valdez will start as a lone striker.

Tough task for Tottenham

Even before the Europa League started, Harry Redknapp revealed that he planned to field weakened line ups in Europe so that he could keep his key players fresh for the Premier League campaign. The experienced boss fulfilled his promise, but his side managed to take seven points from first three games, nevertheless, although that was probably more than they deserved. Pitted against a very good counterattacking side, Spurs had major problems during their home game with Rubin, so everything suggests that they are in for another difficult game, especially taking into account the long trip, cold weather and inexperience of some players. The fact that Harry Redknapp will not even travel to Russia because of his health problems proves that the visitors are not taking this game very seriously.

Rafael van der Vaart is ineligible, while Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone remain sidelined. King, Bale, Modric, Adebayor, Parker and few other starters will be rested, meaning that youngsters Carrol, Rose and Livermore are all expected to feature.

Verdict

The first match between the two teams proved that Rubin are a very serious side and after coming really close to beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane, the Tatarstan club should be able to record a victory in Russia, where everything will go into their favour. Spurs will try to avoid defeat in Kazan, but I doubt the team that Redknapp’s assistants send out onto the pitch will have the quality to do so.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.73 (8/11)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power