*matches in all competitions

Lyon last 5 matches:

Lyon last 3 home matches:

Kazan last 5 matches:

Kazan last 3 away matches: 

The final round in the Champions League preliminary kicks off on Tuesday with Olympique Lyon welcoming Rubin Kazan in one of the more interesting and balanced matches.

Lyon with a m0dest start to the new season as they managed only 4 points in the first two matches played in Ligue 1, a conclusive 1-3 trip to Nice but a surprising one all draw on home ground last week against newly promoted Ajaccio.

It’s fair to say that their fitness levels are not at optimum values and the most problematic department so far seems to be their defensive. This draw wasn’t the best for them as they face off against a powerful opponent, this year as well top teams having to play direct matches whilst the Danish and Austrian sides yet again receiving lower rated teams.

Rubin Kazan with the advantage of being in the middle of the Russian Premier league season. They are currently on the 4th spot of the table with a total of 34 points in all 20 matches played leaving an important 8 points gap from the leaders CSKA Moskva.

They disposed of neighbors Dynamo Kiev in the previous round of the preliminaries after wining both legs, 0-2 away and a comfortable 2-1 at home to qualify further.

My pick:  Draw ( under 2.5 goals )

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*matches in all competitions

Wolfsburg last 5 matches:  

Wolfsburg last 3 home matches: 

Rubin last 5 matches: 

Rubin last 3 away matches: 

With the one all draw in Russia, Wolfsburg is certainly thinking of avoiding Sevilla’s faith in the Champions League and end up with a victory against Rubin Kazan.

Wolfsburg is showing an extraordinary form in all competitions, after the unfortunate first part of the season which left permanent marks especially in the Bundesliga where with only the 8th spot for now there’s little hope of claiming any places in the summer qualifications for an European tournament.

After an unbelievable string of 13 consecutive matches without victory, Wolfsburg managed to win 5 out of the last 6 played, their only interruption was suffers away to Rubin Kazan in a very close and difficult match.

With the Russian championship starting last week, current champions Rubin Kazan where quick to claim top spot with a 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moskva and travel to Wolfsburg with a good morale in consequence. The team will certainly report itself to CSKA and try to duplicate their performance by eliminating a favorite of the competition.

The away games have caused them quite some problems in Europe with the last 2 ending in defeat away to Inter and more surprisingly only a draw against Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Although a goalless draw will see Wolfsburg advance, this risky strategy is not what we would expect from them and with all hope gone in the Bundesliga this competition remains a good opportunity to show their real force.

My tip:  Wolfsburg to win