Champions League Preview - FC Dynamo Kyiv vs. FC Rubin Kazan

Many soccer experts and analysts have FC Dynamo Kyiv and FC Rubin Kazan battling for third place in Group F and a chance to continue their European campaign in Europe’s second tier competition, UEFA Cup. Each will hope to prove this assumption wrong and give the favourites Barcelona and Inter Milan a run for their money. Easier said than done.

Barcelona are the reigning champions and one of several pre-championship short-odds-on favourites to cap a successful defence campaign by winning back-to-back titles. Inter have a rich history in this competition and while it has been almost half a century since they have been at the top of European football they have reached the knockout stages successful in numerous campaigns since then.

Nevertheless, FC Dynamo Kyiv and FC Rubin Kazan will not be pushovers. Dynamo Kyiv are the most successful club in Ukraine and FC Rubin Kazan enter the competition on the heels of a successful domestic campaign, the title is practically in the bag.

Soccer Betting Line:

Dynamo Kiev -½ -110 -110 2 O -135 U +115 1 O -130 U Ev Draw +225
Rubin Kazan +½ -110 +325 2 O -135 U +115 1 O +105 U -135 Draw +225

Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday September 16 2009

Venue: Valeriy Lobanovskiy - Kyiv - Ukraine

Soccer Betting Verdict: The Ukrainians vow not to underestimate the ambitious Russians when they visit Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium on Wednesday and many believe the two clubs from neighbouring countries will deliver a close match in their UEFA Champions League Group F opener.

Yet, you wouldn’t think it though looking at the market on this match. Dynamo Kyiv are tipped the firm favourites to win outright, listed at -110 at BetUS Sportsbook. Whereas the visiting Russians weigh in as the underdogs at +325.

Dynamo Kyiv have been to UEFA Champions League before, whereas FC Rubin Kazan are making their maiden appearance at the top-flight level. You have to give Dynamo the edge because they have experience.

But the Russian titleholders should not be underestimated. Rubin Kazan surprised everyone when they won the title last season but what is even more impressive is they are on course to winning back-to-back titles in their domestic league. They are ten points clear of second place CSKA Moskva and with the season coming towards the business end the title is all but in the bag. Their impressive form gives them a punters chance to upset the odds, especially against neighbouring rivals Ukraine.

Soccer Free Picks: For all these parts and more, the win is tougher to call than the soccer betting line suggests. Dynamo should win this match, making them a good play at -110. They have home edge and European experience. Rubin Kazan have shown too much promise though to be dismissed, lending the opinion that they have a shot to win this one. A small stake in their odds is an idea and at +325 it is good bank for your buck if the bet comes through. In the end, the better play is on the totals. Both sides like an attacking style and we should have lots of goals. Take the Over 2 -135