With group favourites and leaders Barcelona to play against second-placed FC Copenhagen later on Tuesday and expected to win as well, Russian champions Rubin Kazan should know that a win against Panathinaikos will massively boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
At the moment Rubin are third in Group D with just a couple of points from three matches. One of those points came against Barcelona in Kazan while the other was gained in Athens against Panathinaikos on Matchday 3.
Kurban Berdyev's side desperately need a win at the Central Stadium in Kazan on Tuesday to sustain their lofty ambitions of being one of Europe’s elite 16 and playing in the second round of the Champions League. The Tatars warmed up for the visit of Panathinaikos with a 2-0 victory over PFC Krylya Sovetov Samara on Friday that kept them six points off the pace in the Russian Premier League.
Coach Berdyev has hinted that he will change tactics against the Grecian giants and explained on Monday, “We will try to change some of our tactics and see if we can succeed. Panathinaikos's last league match against their rivals Olympiakos showed they have a strong bench.
“The performance proved they are to be taken seriously. We expect a difficult game. I do not think that they will change their tactics much, they play the same in all Champions League matches. Perhaps just that they will attack more than in Greece because they need to win as well as us.”
Win Or Go Bust
With just a solitary point from three matches, Greek champions Panathinaikos are at the bottom of Group D. As a matter of fact, that point was earned on Matchday 3 when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Rubin Kazan in Athens.
The Shamrock travel to Russia on Tuesday with the sole aim to conquer Rubin. Anything less than three points will put flights to their already depleted hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages. However, Nikos Nioplias’ side go into the match on the back off a morale-boosting 2-1 derby win against Olympiakos in the Greek Super League on Saturday.
Coach Nioplias knows that they have a Herculean task at hand but is willing to fight. He explained on Monday: “We have come here to win. Two weeks ago we were unable to do so, so we will change our tactics. It is cold in Kazan but there is no rain or snow and the pitch is in good condition.
“We expect a more aggressive approach from Rubin. They weren't very dangerous in Athens and I think at home they will play much better. We know everything about our opponents just as they know everything about us. I don't think there will be any surprises.”
TEAM NEWS
Rubin Kazan
Roman Sharonov is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Carlos Eduardo is back in training after recovering from a virus that forced him to miss the match at the weekend.
Panathinaikos
Gilberto Silva is back from suspension and Cedric Kante seems to have recovered from a hand injury. However, Sebastian Leto is out of contention because of a problem with his knee and there are fitness doubts on Sotiris Ninis, who has issues with his foot.
Prediction
Playing at home gives Rubin an advantage and they will know better than not to waste it. The Russians held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in their last home game in the Champions League and they should conquer Panathinaikos in Kazan.
Rubin 2-0 Panathinaikos 
