Spurs v "Ruby" - Opposition Fan Forum Preview, Pub Ammo & Team News

Rubin Kazan is the next match up in the Europa league. With a feisty affair not really being on the cards. Both teams are favourites to qualify from the group, are likely to be happy with a draw and field weakened teams with the players not wanting to risk injury. Us with our youngsters, defensive holes, and Redknapp concentrating more on the league. Rubin's manager also resting players ahead of a big game against Dinamo Moscow on the weekend. Nevertheless, a win is what we should all be aiming for, with the victor setting themselves up nicely to top the group, barring any major slip ups in future games.

Opposition Fan View
The Rubin Kazan (or Ruby) fans are pretty excited about the match. Especially the ones making the trip to England. Not necessarily for the football, but because of the top reputation our stadium's atmosphere has abroad. They may be a little disappointed... the Europa League hasn't exactly been setting the lane alight. Some sense an upset as we are using the tournament to develop our youngsters, although most fans seem to be of the opinion, that the "Ruby" performance is more important than the result. A tell tale sign that they're expecting to get beaten. Excuses and hope are summed up in this (poorly translated) quote:  

"On paper, the "Tottenham" is a favourite: the total value of the players, "Spurs" more nearly tripled, and the budget - four times. But when it comes coaching genius Kurban Berdyev, statistics lose relevance"
Which, in English, I assume means, on paper, Spurs are the better team, but their manager is tactically skilled enough to out fox any team.

The most memorable post and reply I saw was one in which one fan said he was looking forward to seeing Pav play in his club side. To which another fan replied that Pav was nothing more than a ленивый осел.... translated... a lazy donkey. Smart lot, these Rubin Kazan fans!

Rubin Kazan Fan Predictions: Spurs Win 60%, Draw 20%, Rubin Kazan Win 20%

Pub Ammo
- Both Rubin and Spurs are on four points from two games in the Europa League group stage.
- Rubin Kazan were champions of Russia in 2008 and 2009.
- They were beaten by FC Twente in the round of 32 in last years Europa League
- Rubin Kazan are currently sixth in the Russian League after 27 matches.
- They arrive at Lane on an unbeaten run of five matches in all competitions.
- The most familiar name in their squad is Obafemi Martins, once of Newcastle and currently on loan from Birmingham City.

Team News
Bassong and Kaboul are our only fit central defenders, which Redknapp has pointed out will be disastrous should either pick up a knock, as we have no more backup for the weekend. King, Dawson, Corluka, Gallas plus the more long term injuries are all out. Lennon, Rose and Sandro could return to the side to play some part. Not a bad side:

Cudicini

Walker   Bassong   Kaboul   Rose

Lennon   Carroll   Sandro   Townsend

Dos Santos

Pav

"On paper" we should win this one. And I think we will do, same score line as Shamrock. 3-1 Spurs. COYS

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