Krasnodar vs Zenit, April 20th 2019. Photo: fckrasnodar.ru For some weeks now, Russian football fans have been looking ahead to match week 24 as the season defining round. With the Moscow derby between Lokomotiv and CSKA followed by Krasnodar vs Zenit on the Saturday, the top four would square off between one another in matches which will shape the race for the title and Champions League spot. The Moscow derby started well, going in at half time at 1-1, but then fizzled out in the second … [Read more...]
The Zenit Issue: Ageing Players, No Creativity and No Vision
March 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Kirov overlooking the glorious Gazprom Arena | James Nickels/RFN Zenit have been knocked out of the Europa League. Following Sardar Azmoun's heroics in the round of 32 against Fenerbahce, Zenit fans were understandably pleased to learn that their team had been drawn against Villarreal in the next round, a side fighting relegation in the La Liga. This draw was quite a favourable one, with only two or three teams that were worse on paper than the Yellow Submarine. One would have expected the … [Read more...]
Eight RPL Players in need of a Big 2019
March 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment
With the long winter hibernation having ended, the second half of the 2018-19 RPL season is upon us. For some players, 2018 was not the best year and 2019 could potentially act as a make or break season. Here are eight players in need of a big year in 2019. 1. Sardar Azmoun Given the length of time he has been around as a highly-touted prospect for the future, it is incredible to think that Sardar Azmoun is still only 24 years old. For years at both Rubin Kazan in two spells and Rostov, … [Read more...]
Season Preview: Rubin Kazan
July 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment
By Rubin Kazan's standards, it's been a relatively quiet summer. The last 3 summers has seen them change managers, but this year, that has not been the case. There's not been any wild transfer rumours, nor any crazy moves in or out. In fact the craziest thing to happen in the city was the World Cup. After a number of poor seasons on the trot culminating in last season's 10th place finish, Rubin fans and the club's management are desperate for their fortunes to improve. Having relied on loan … [Read more...]
