Moscow Rodina are stepping into the Russian Cup at the highest level for the first time and they have six guaranteed fixtures ahead. This run gives coach Juan Diaz the chance to hand game time to his bench players while still aiming for a solid result against Rubin Kazan. The season started with a tough away loss to Spartak but the lads showed fight despite the scoreline and the gap in resources between the sides. Rubin also dropped points early after a red card ruined their plans against Krasnodar yet they remain a dangerous side on their day.
Team Form
Rodina have been mixing it with the big boys and learning fast while Rubin have had their own bumpy start to the campaign. In the cup the Kazan side usually reach the knockout stages only to exit early as they did against Arsenal Tula last term. History between the two clubs shows Rubin winning at home and drawing away in the First League but Rodina now sit in the top flight and look more ready to compete toe to toe.
- Rodina lost 0-3 to Spartak but kept their shape against a title chasing side
- Rubin suffered a 1-3 defeat to Krasnodar after an early sending off
- Rodina enjoy home advantage in the cup where they have been hard to beat
- Frank Artiga knows Rodina well from his earlier days in Moscow
Tactical Analysis
Diaz can rotate his squad across these cup ties without risking the league campaign yet he will still want to keep the momentum going. Artiga faces his old club and will know the strengths of the Moscow side inside out so expect Rubin to press high and look for quick transitions. Rodina on the other hand will sit compact at home and use the wings to stretch the visitors before hitting on the counter. The match should be tight with both teams aware that a single mistake could end their cup hopes early.
Betting Proposal
At home Rodina have every chance to grab at least a point and the types point to a safe home result. The value lies in backing the hosts not to lose so take the 1X option at around 1.82 and watch the lads grind out a result. This angle covers the strengths of the Moscow side while respecting the threat Rubin still carry on the break.
