The Matchday 5 clash of the Russian Cup 2025/26 between Rubin and Zenit will take place on September 30 at the Ak Bars Arena in Kazan. Rubin vs. Zenit: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rubin
In the previous round, Rubin suffered a defeat away to Orenburg. The regular time ended goalless, but the opponents were more precise in the penalty shootout (2-4). The team has only one win in their last seven Russian Cup matches (2 draws and 4 losses in regular time). Additionally, Rashid Rakhimov's side has failed to score in three consecutive games in this tournament. In Group A, Rubin occupies the 3rd position, but catching up with the leading Zenit is no longer possible.
- At least one team has failed to score in the last 15 Rubin matches in the Russian Cup.
- Rubin has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home matches in the national Cup (3 wins and 2 draws).
- In 11 previous home games in this tournament, Rubin has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Rubin (4-5-1)
Artur Nigmatullin – Anderson Arroyo, Nikita Lobov, Yegor Teslenko, Konstantin Nizhegorodov – Aleksandar Jukic, Marat Apshatsev, Oleg Ivanov, Ruslan Bezrukov, Nikola Cumic – Jacques Sive.
Defenders Denil Maldonado and Alexey Gritsaenko are injured. Midfielder Nikola Cumic is suspended.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's side secured the top spot in Group A after their victory over Akhmat in the last round (2-1). Zenit has won all four matches in the current Russian Cup campaign, but they have managed to keep a clean sheet in only one of these games. Moreover, Zenit has scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 national Cup matches.
- The club has opened the scoring in 15 of their last 16 matches in this tournament.
- Zenit has won 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Russian Cup (1 loss).
- Zenit has conceded in 5 of their last 7 away matches in the national Cup.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-3-3)
Yevgeny Latyshonok – Arsen Adamov, Nuraly Alip, Roman Vega, Strahinja Erakovic – Alexander Erokhin, Yuny Gorshkov, Yaroslav Mikhailov – Alexander Sobolev, Luis Enrique, Vadim Shilov.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev is injured.
Rubin vs. Zenit: Match Prediction
Sergei Semak's team was the first to secure a playoff spot. Among all the group stage participants, Zenit is the only team that hasn't dropped points, and I don't think they will stop there. Zenit is gaining form, and each success boosts the players' confidence. The club is on a 9-match unbeaten streak in official competitions, including a win over Krasnodar and a draw with Baltika. Moreover, Zenit has not lost in 9 of their last 10 away matches in the national Cup (7 wins and 2 draws in regular time).
Rubin, on the other hand, has declined compared to the start of the season. They have only one win in their last seven matches in the RPL and Russian Cup (3 draws, 3 losses). In the second most important tournament, Rashid Rakhimov's team still has a chance to advance from the group, but earning points against Zenit will be challenging. Rubin has not defeated Zenit in their last 6 official meetings, conceding at least two goals in 5 of these games.
My prediction: Zenit will not lose and Total Over 1.5 goals
