Lyon overwhelmed Rubin Kazan in the second half in France last week to claim a 3-1 first leg lead in their Champions League playoff and should be good enough to get the job done in Russia.
A place in the group stage is the prize on offer for the victors of the five ties taking place on Wednesday and all those still involved will be looking to join Bayern Munich, Genk, APOEL, Dinamo Zagreb and Villarreal who progressed last night into the tournament proper.
With an estimated 25m euros, at least, at stake this is a huge tie for both clubs but Lyon have distinguished themselves in this competition in recent seasons and, while perhaps not as strong as previous campaigns, are a cut above their opponents.
Having fallen behind to a third minute Vladmir Dyadyun strike at the Stade de Gerland, Lyon were stunned into action seven days ago and responded very well indeed through strikes by Bafetimbi Gomis, Jimmy Brinad and an own goal from the visitors.
Gomis had a wonderful chance to make the trip east even more comfortable in injury time, too, and Lyon were well on top by the end.
From a betting perspective it is often tricky approaching a second leg of knockout tie but Rubin know they must get on the offensive from the outset if they are to trouble Lyon and that could just leave them susceptible at the back.
Remi Garde’s men are extremely effective on the counter-attack and I’m willing to chance them at odds against in the draw no bet market.
With the safety net of the stake back if it ends in a stalemate after 90 minutes, Lyon should be sided with at the 2.10 available with Stan James against a team that is 10 points off the pace domestically and has won just 9 of 21 matches.
Rubin have less than a 50% strike rate at home also and the French visitors are tipped to advance with something to spare.
2pts Back Lyon (Draw No Bet, vs. Rubin Kazan) @ 2.10 (Stan James)