Rubin Kazan vs Spartak Moscow predictions for this Russian Premier League clash on Saturday at Ak Bars Arena. This could be a tough battle between two of the strongest teams, and both will want to start the championship on the right foot. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
Rubin Kazan
Rubin Kazan finished last season in fourth place, after a final stretch of the season that saw them climb up the table, knocking out direct rivals and earning a place in this season’s inaugural Europa Conference League.
Rubin Kazan will start the season with their star player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but it seems likely that he will be sold soon for around 20 million euros. His departure would be a big loss for Rubin’s attack.
Spartak Moscow
Spartak Moscow finished last season in second place and had a fairly consistent tournament, although their efforts were not enough to overcome the champions, Zenith, who really have the strongest squad in the Russian league. That second position allows Spartak to play in this season’s Champions League playoffs, at worst, they are already guaranteed to play in the Europa League.
Spartak finished last season as the second best away team, having lost only four of the 15 matches they played away from home.
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Rubin Kazan vs Spartak Moscow Predictions
The two teams met just over a week ago in a friendly match in which Spartak destroyed Rubin Kazan 4-0. Friendlies are not always indicative of reality, but the fact is that Spartak have won their last few matches by a landslide (19 goals scored in their last five matches), while Rubin Kazan have had several defeats against teams of the same level. Therefore, we think that Spartak can win this match, and that there could be plenty of goals.