If we can sort our squad out properly, then Rubin Kazan might not be such a problem. It'll still be a very, very hard game and a horrible trip, but we could send a heavily depleted squad over and miss out on a draining journey, as well as a tough tie. We have to make the most of the other games in the group, though.
Is the draw for the last 32 an open draw or do group winners avoid the 8 teams that drop out from CL? Because if it doesn't matter if we finish 1st or 2nd then i'd write off the away game to Kazan and play youngsters.
If I recall from last time, the winners of the group avoid the CL dropouts. Not that we should fear any of them, unless its Barca or Real.