The Matchday 2 clash in the Russian Premier League between Rubin and Zenit will take place on July 27 at the Ak Bars Arena in Kazan. Rubin vs. Zenit: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rubin
Rashid Rakhimov's side began the season with an away victory over Akhmat (2-0). Interestingly, based on xG, the Kazan team didn't even deserve a single goal. Nevertheless, the team has scored in nine consecutive championship matches. However, it's worth noting that Rubin has kept a clean sheet only three times during this stretch. Additionally, the club has shown uncompromising results, with five wins and three losses in their last eight RPL matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Rubin's last 7 Premier League matches.
- The team has a winning streak of 7 matches at home in this tournament.
- In 7 of their last 8 home league games, Kazan has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Rubin (5-3-2)
Yevgeny Staver – Ilya Rozhkov, Yegor Teslenko, Igor Vujacic, Alexey Gritsaenko, Dmitry Kabutov – Veldin Hodja, Ugochukwu Iwu, Bogdan Yochich – Dardan Shabanhadzai, Mirlin Daku.
Midfielder Alexander Yukić is recovering from injury.
Zenit
The St. Petersburg team has not lost in the opening rounds of the championship for 22 consecutive years. In the match against Rostov, Sergei Semak's side conceded first but managed to come back and win 2-1. Notably, Zenit has won three consecutive RPL matches in which they were trailing. The team's unbeaten streak in the Premier League has reached 10 matches (8 wins, 2 draws), with the club keeping a clean sheet in half of those games.
- In 6 of their last 7 league matches, Zenit has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals.
- The club has not lost in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament (6 wins, 2 draws).
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 8 of their last 9 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Yevgeny Latyshonok – Douglas Santos, Strahinja Erakovic, Nino, Gustavo Mantuan – Gerson Santos, Wilmar Barrios, Maxim Glushenkov, Pedro Enrique, Andrey Mostovoy – Mateo Cassierra.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev and midfielder Sasha Zdjelar are injured. Forward Luis Enrique will also miss the match. Midfielder Wendel was included in the team's squad for the season on Thursday.
Referee
Aleksei Sukhoi (Russia)
Matches – 18 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 90;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 67%.
Match Prediction: Rubin vs. Zenit
In the previous round, Kazan managed to make the most of their limited scoring opportunities. Rashid Rakhimov's side was known for their efficient finishing last season, which they ended with an 8-match scoring streak. However, there are concerns about the team's defense: in RPL 2024/25, Kazan has conceded more goals than any other team in the top half of the table, and in Grozny, the club kept a clean sheet for only the second time in their last 7 league matches. Meanwhile, Rubin allowed 24 shots on their goal – the worst record in the first round.
The St. Petersburg team gave their fans a scare, but Zenit started the season with a victory. However, Sergei Semak's side, especially in the first half, allowed the opponent many chances. I believe Kazan, with their finishing, will also find gaps in Zenit's defense. But it's unlikely Kazan will keep their goal intact: Zenit in RPL 2024/25 failed to score away only to Krasnodar, while they scored 8 goals in two matches against Rubin.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
