The types for this weekend clash between Rubin and Orenburg point to a lively encounter that could easily go over the goal line once the whistle blows. Both sides sit comfortably in the middle of the table and have shown they prefer open play rather than cagey defending lately. Rubin started the season with a tough loss to Krasnodar after an early red card but bounced back strongly against Akron by striking twice inside the first twenty minutes. Orenburg also love a comeback story having turned around a home game against Rostov with two late strikes even while down a man.
Team Form
After those opening fixtures the teams look ready to entertain again and the numbers back it up. Rubin created good chances when they played with ten men last time out while Orenburg outdid Zenit on expected goals despite the heavy scoreline. Fans in Nigeria know how quickly momentum can swing in the Russian league so expect plenty of end to end action from the first whistle.
- Rubin scored twice early against Akron and then sat on the lead
- Orenburg grabbed two goals in the final minutes despite playing short handed
- Both teams have seen over 2.5 goals in their last two matches
Tactical Analysis
Frank Artiga wants his Rubin side to attack with freedom and that approach has already produced exciting results though the back line now leaks more goals than before. Orenburg under Ildar Akhmetzyanov also push forward whenever possible and showed they can punish tired defences late in games. With Mirlind Daku possibly playing his last match for the hosts the attacking load will fall on others but the team still looks dangerous going forward. Expect space in behind for both attacks to exploit.
Betting Proposal
Given how both sides have traded goals in recent outings and the way they like to push numbers forward the smart money sits on a high scoring affair. The sides are likely to combine for at least three goals before the final whistle. Rubin and Orenburg to score three goals and more. Total over 2.5 at odds of 2.17.
