Russian Football Now Podcast: UCL Draw, Spartak-Rubin Preview

Spartak Moscow's Welliton (facing) and Alex will try to lead their club into first place this weekend against leaders Rubin Kazan.

In partnership with a new site, Russian Football Now, EPL Talk presents the first episode of RFN’s podcast.

On Thursday, Russian teams were drawn into two of the more difficult UEFA Champions League groups. Russian Football Now’s Chris Riordan and Richard Farley debut a new podcast by breaking down the tasks handed to Rubin Kazan and CSKA Moscow.

For Rubin, the Champions League draw is overshadowed by Saturday’s match against Spartak Moscow, with first place in the Russian Premier League on the line. RFN has a complete breakdown a match where Spartak’s attacking duo, Brazilians Welliton and Alex, will do battle with Rubin’s, Alejandro Dominguez and Aleksandr Bukharov.

Also discussed: Russian players abroad, the recent call-ups to the national team, and two transfers that will change the course of the final third of the league season.

Editor’s note: While not EPL-specific, I thought it would be advantageous for many EPL Talk readers to become more up-to-speed on the Russian Premier League so we can get a better understanding of who will be the next Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko and Bilyaletdinov (who was just signed by Everton). Have a listen to the pod. Cheers, The Gaffer.