Inter Milan V Rubin Kazan Betting – Wednesday 9th December (Sky Sports)

Inter Milan V FC Rubin Kazan

Wednesday 9^th December – 19:45 GMT

Group F

Group F seen two giants of the European world clash in the same group, with Inter Milan Barcelona expected to stroll to comfortable qualification against two lesser teams on paper. However, that certainly hasn’t been the case and, although Barcelona have secured the rightful place in the next round, Inter haven’t, and to emulate Barcelona they will have to record a victory over a |Rubin Kazan side that had the beating of them back on Russian soil, albeit Inter sneaking a 1-1 draw.

Rubin Kazan, however, would also sail through with a surprise victory at the San Siro on Tuesday but, after their showing against the Italian champions on Match Day 1, perhaps a Russian win wouldn’t be a complete bolt out of the blue. The pair are currently sat side-by-side in the Group, level on six points, but a win for either would settle the qualifying debate. However, a draw does complicate things a little. A low-scoring draw (0-0 or 1-1) would favour the Italians, with Milan boasting a better goal scoring record, while 2-2 or higher would see the Russian go through on a better head-to-head record, with Rubin outscoring Milan’s away effort in Russia of just one goal.

Inter Milan

Group F Position: 2^nd

Group F Form: DDDWL

The campaign thus far may have derailed several stations down the road but back at the San Siro, a spiritual home for Inter, Jose Mourinho’s under-fire troops should record the win they need to book their place in the last sixteen. However, the three points aren’t a formality for the Italian’s as their form at home in this seasons Champions League hasn’t been good. Two successive draws with Barcelona (0-0) and then Dynamo Kiev (1-1), the latter an especially disappointing result, means that Inter are without a home win this seasons campaign.=, but what a time to amend that poor run.

Back in domestic action, Inter have been extremely strong on home soil, having yet to lose at the San Siro all season, winning six and drawing two. A 75% winning average. They’ve also been more than accomplished in the final third, scoring 17 goals at home this season, averaging just over two-goals-a-game. However, although their home form has been more then ideal, the defeat away in Turin last Saturday will only have hindered Milan’s morale heading into this meeting with Rubin Kazan. The Italian champions lead the way in Serie A and have done for some time, but the defeat away at Juventus has given them an unwanted setback, with Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A now reduced to just the four points.

For now, at least, Inter must concentrate fully on the task at hand and that’s arguably their biggest game of the season thus far. The ball is in their court still, with the players knowing a win would be enough, but will that be a stumbling block in how they play. In our opinion, Inter need to air the side of caution. Going out all guns blazing wouldn’t be the best solution to their problem as the Russian’s pose a big threat on the counter, just ask Barcelona. However, we feel a more patient game is needed, one where Inter need to test their opponents resilience by keeping the ball for long periods of time, switching the plays, running at the full-backs. Inter must grind down their Tuesday night enemy’s if they want to progress as Kazan have proved to be a tough nut to crack in this seasons Champions League, with their defence being their basis for success this season.

Rubin Kazan

Group F Position: 3^rd

Group F Form: LDWDD

Rubin Kazan have had their minds focused on the Champions League for some time now after strolling to their second successive league title back home. This success has had a positive affect on their Champions League form as the Russian have not only walked away from their recent encounters with respect and appraisal but they are also in a very prominent position to progress, with a win all that’s required to book their spot in the last sixteen, also. However, not having home advantage is a big negative for us and we think they could come unstuck at the San Siro in what should be a nervy encounter.

With the league wrapped up, the Champions League has been their main focus in recent weeks and they could be on the verge of receiving their just rewards for all their hard work. However, only a win or a high scoring draw will do for them so they will need to play on the front foot, something they aren’t renowned for back home. Kazan have made an instant impact both back in Russia and in Europe by setting up in a very defensive, some would say negative, manner and hitting sides on the counter. This was evident at the Nou Camp where Kazan recorded a surprise 2-1 victory over the World Champions, Barcelona. That result should emphasises just how dangerous a team Kazan can be but how will they fare knowing they have to score several goals on the night?

However, Kazan may have claimed the scalp of Barcelona in their last away outing in the competition but they were undone in Ukraine by an awkward Dynamo Kiev side, a team which held Inter to a 1-1 draw at the San Siro and almost stole more points from the Italians’ back in Kiev. Nevertheless, Kazan’s adventurous style of play got them into deep trouble and they paid a big price in the form of a 3-1 defeat. They will have to play in a similar manner on Tuesday and this could lead to their downfall. However, they could also opt to play it safe by attempting to hold Inter off for large periods of the game in a bid to sneak a late winner. Who actually knows how the Russian’s will line up which does make them a very dangerous side.

Match Verdict:- Inter Milan to WIN – 8/15 VCbet

A shock could be on the cards but we expect Inter to dominate proceedings for large parts of the game and, despite putting ion some valiant and immense defensive performances thus far, we don’t think Kazan will keep the Italians’ at bay for the full 90 minutes. Inter will need to be wary of the threat Kazan pose on the counter but Jose Mourinho will know all about that by know and should be able to combat the count threat of Kazan. A home win for us, one that would lead to progression for Inter Milan.

Match Odds:

Inter Milan – 8/15 VCbet

Draw – 16/5 SkyBet

Rubin Kazan – 7.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Inter Milan to Win by 1 goal – 12/5 BlueSquare