Rubin Kazan midfielder Alan Kasaev is guarding against complacency ahead of his team's Europa League group match against Neftci Baku on Thursday.

The Russians share top spot in Group H with Inter Milan after two matches, and a win in Tatarstan will see Kurban Berdyev's side take a big step toward the knockout stages.

“There will be no underestimation of Neftci from our side,” Kasaev said, before insisting his team will try to seize the initiative nevertheless.

“We will try to play first fiddle. We do not always succeed at doing that, but we are ready to do everything we have to.”

Kasaev, who has played a fringe role in the club's European campaign so far, praising Neftci's attacking style.

“We are not worried, but the game will be intense. There are no easy games in the European tournaments,” Kasaev said.

Rubin have Brazilian playmaker Carlos Eduardo out with a minor injury, while first-choice goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov and Italian defender Salvatore Bocchetti are a doubt for the match.

Rubin and Inter both have four points, with a win and a draw - against each other in Milan - to their names. Neftci are third with a draw at bottom side Partizan Belgrade and a home defeat to Inter.