Rubin Kazan host Israel"s Hapoel Tel Aviv...

Kurban Berdyev"s side dropped down into the newly-revamped UEFA Cup after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Barcelona and Inter Milan. The Kazan club led the group at one point, and recorded a historic 2-1 away victory over Barcelona.

But the side"s inability to find the net at home - scoring once in three draws - cost them passage into the lucrative knockout phase of Europe"s most prestigious club competition.

"Our guests are in the thick of things," Berdyev told Tatar-Inform, "whereas this is our first match of the season."

"But we have put in lost of work at our pre-season training camps. Another plus is the priceless European experience we gained in the Champions League," he went on. "Our chances are 50-50."

The new Russian season begins in March.

The match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. (14:00 GMT) and will be shown live on Russia"s NTV channel. Rubin can name a full strength side, but begin life without Alejandro Dominquez, the

Pages: [1] 2