LOSKOV TO LEAD LOKOMOTIV AGAINST TOM

Charging into the final third of the campaign, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns to play this weekend in match-day twenty-one and a series of crucial contests. While Zenit Saint Petersburg looks to be sailing clear to the victor’s podium, the race could not be tighter for berths on the European stage.


The action gets underway Saturday as Rashid Rakhimov’s Amkar Perm welcomes Krylya Sovetov in a relegation battle of enormous importance. The Samaran’s lodged their first victory this year under manager Alexandr Tarkhanov last week in a shocking upset of Nalchik but have otherwise been a highly disciplined unit since he returned for his third stint with the club. The arrival of Pavel Yakovlev, on loan from Spartak, could be the masterstroke that saves them from relegation, as the young gun is capable of providing the attacking impetus that has been lacking. While Amkar Perm sits four points above the drop zone, Rashid Rakhimov’s Red-Black unit is far from inspiring. Last week they were run roughshod by Rubin Kazan and will need production on the road if they are to escape relegation. However, in their Ural Mountain home they have proven to be a tough competitor with two consecutive victories and will the need the same resolve in this strategically important contest.

Alaniya Vladikavkazv welcomes European hopefuls Rostov after last weeks stunning added-time rally to defeat Sibir Novosibirsk. Vladimir Shevchuk’s side looked to be heading defeat, a costly loss that would have seen their relegation fears heighten but otherwise making steady improvement since the break. Rostov’s surprising race towards a spot in Europe sees them at the fifth spot after edging Anzhi Makhachkala last week in a disciplined display. Oleh Protasov has reworked his tactical plan and over the last six engagements, his side have been a tight defending unit that has surrendered only two goals. That aside, Rostov’s once potent flanking assault has been lacking and will need to produce if they are win premier spot in Europe

In the final match of Saturday, coming off their loss to Spartak, Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast entertains Dynamo Moscow to nearby Ramenskoe. The celebrations of July are in the past as Andrey Gordeev’s side have a scant point to show for the last four contests and need to gut out some results or they will feel the heat of the bottom of the table. He will further be without the services of Ruslan Nakhushev, Vadim Evseev and Benoît Angbwa, all out to due to card build-up. Saturn will need veterans Dmitriy Kirichenko, Andrey Karyaka and Denis Boyarintsev to step up against Dynamo if they are to be victorious. The White-Blues might be the anomaly of the league as despite possessing scores of talent, seem to under perform and lack confidence. At some stage, Dynamo will surely boil over and begin to play to their ability and the pedigree of Andriy Voronin and Kevin Kurányi shine through. Miodrag Božović’s men overcame Terek Grozny last week but there is still considerable room for growth. He will be without the surfaces of Andriy Voronin, under suspension, presumably resulting in Martin Jakubko getting a chance to star against his former teammates.

Prepared by John Davies


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

SATURN VS DYNAMO HIGHLIGHT SATURDAY

Charging into the final third of the campaign, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns to play this weekend in match-day twenty-one and a series of crucial contests. While Zenit Saint Petersburg looks to be sailing clear to the victor’s podium, the race could not be tighter for berths on the European stage.


The action gets underway Saturday as Rashid Rakhimov’s Amkar Perm welcomes Krylya Sovetov in a relegation battle of enormous importance. The Samaran’s lodged their first victory this year under manager Alexandr Tarkhanov last week in a shocking upset of Nalchik but have otherwise been a highly disciplined unit since he returned for his third stint with the club. The arrival of Pavel Yakovlev, on loan from Spartak, could be the masterstroke that saves them from relegation, as the young gun is capable of providing the attacking impetus that has been lacking. While Amkar Perm sits four points above the drop zone, Rashid Rakhimov’s Red-Black unit is far from inspiring. Last week they were run roughshod by Rubin Kazan and will need production on the road if they are to escape relegation. However, in their Ural Mountain home they have proven to be a tough competitor with two consecutive victories and will the need the same resolve in this strategically important contest.

Alaniya Vladikavkazv welcomes European hopefuls Rostov after last weeks stunning added-time rally to defeat Sibir Novosibirsk. Vladimir Shevchuk’s side looked to be heading defeat, a costly loss that would have seen their relegation fears heighten but otherwise making steady improvement since the break. Rostov’s surprising race towards a spot in Europe sees them at the fifth spot after edging Anzhi Makhachkala last week in a disciplined display. Oleh Protasov has reworked his tactical plan and over the last six engagements, his side have been a tight defending unit that has surrendered only two goals. That aside, Rostov’s once potent flanking assault has been lacking and will need to produce if they are win premier spot in Europe

In the final match of Saturday, coming off their loss to Spartak, Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast entertains Dynamo Moscow to nearby Ramenskoe. The celebrations of July are in the past as Andrey Gordeev’s side have a scant point to show for the last four contests and need to gut out some results or they will feel the heat of the bottom of the table. He will further be without the services of Ruslan Nakhushev, Vadim Evseev and Benoît Angbwa, all out to due to card build-up. Saturn will need veterans Dmitriy Kirichenko, Andrey Karyaka and Denis Boyarintsev to step up against Dynamo if they are to be victorious. The White-Blues might be the anomaly of the league as despite possessing scores of talent, seem to under perform and lack confidence. At some stage, Dynamo will surely boil over and begin to play to their ability and the pedigree of Andriy Voronin and Kevin Kurányi shine through. Miodrag Božović’s men overcame Terek Grozny last week but there is still considerable room for growth. He will be without the surfaces of Andriy Voronin, under suspension, presumably resulting in Martin Jakubko getting a chance to star against his former teammates.

Prepared by John Davies


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

LOKOMOTIV VS. DYNAMO BATTLE IN CRITICAL MOSCOW DERBY

Sunday in matchday eighteen of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia opens with a relegation battle as Sibir Novosibirsk welcomes Amkar Perm to Siberia with Igor Kriushenko's side slipping further and further away from the top flight.


While they showed well against Nalchik last week and managed a shock late victory over PSV in the Europa League, the Siberian’s have considerable ground on the table and is in need of a victory. Last week, Rashid Rakhimov's Red-Black's ended its four-match losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Alaniya Vladikavkazv but otherwise are not playing with confidence. Amkar's tough defending stance will be tested by the Siberians free wheeling assault.

In the highlight match of the day, Lokomotiv faces another crucial Moscow Derby this week, this against Dynamo at Arena Khimki with both sides in dire need of a win. Against Spartak last week, the Railwayman's attack lacked consistency and Yuriy Semin has yet to see his side win on the road this year. The Lokomotiv mastermind welcomes Dmitriy Torbinsky back after suspension but he has lost both Tomislav Dujmović, to Dynamo and Peter Odemwingie to English Premier League side West Brom this past week. Without a win in four contests, the Railwayman have drifted well off course and must see greater attacking pulse from other than Oleksandr Aliyev or they will miss out on a spot in Europe.

Dynamo continues to reshape itself under Miodrag Božović with the arrival of Kevin Kurányi and now Martin Jakubko and if they do not turn around shortly, will be playing for next season. The White-Blues suffered through an abysmal start last week against Zenit but thanks to goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov they were able to sustain the assault and grab a draw. The White-Blues are without Dmitriy Khokhlov due to suspension but otherwise need to show greater confidence going forward. Andriy Voronin continues to show tremendous leadership but Dynamo needs, as a whole, to not show fear in the attack.

Defending champions Rubin Kazan welcome Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast to Central Stadium coming off an unsatisfying draw with Terek Grozny. Last week Rubin manager Kurban Berdyev ushered new arrival from Sibir Novosibirsk Alexey Medvedev and after the break paired him the clubs major summer acquisition, former Newcastle striker Oba Martins. In combination with the new arrivals and the rapidly emerging Alan Kasaev, Rubin will possess an imposing attack once they gel. César Navas and Rafał Murawski are unavailable due to suspension.

Andrey Gordeev's Ramenskoe-based side meteoric rise up the table was halted last week by Rostov but they continue to play with a complete different vision that prior to the break. Veteran Dmitriy Kirichenko is enjoying a renaissance and a consistent threat going forward. Saturn is without Ruslan Nakhushev but otherwise fully-fit.

In the final match of the day Anzhi Makhachkala visits Alaniya Vladikavkaz. Coming off his sides humiliating 4-0 loss to CSKA, Anzhi manager Gadzhi Gadzhiev will be looking for a disciplined defending display. Anzhi has had a lot of problems away from home and need to reverse this trend as they are gradually being pulled back into the relegation battle. Alaniya overwhelmed Amkar for much of the day last week lacked finishing in route to a 1-0 loss. Manager Vladimir Shevchuk is without Aslan Mashukov and looking for greater service to young gun Alexandr Marenich.

Prepared by John Davies

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PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 18 PREDICTIONS

This week’s Premier League predictions are made by former Spartak striker Sergey Shvetsov and sport journalist Maxim Maximov.


Spartak – FC Tom

Expert prediction: 2-0.

Sport press prediction: 2-0. Spartak reinforced their squad as they try to restore the club’s former glory.

Krylya Sovetov – Terek

Expert prediction: 1-0. Krylya Sovetov don’t want to play in the First Division, so they desperately need points.

Sport press prediction: 0-1. Atmosphere is Samara is not favourable and Terek is likely to play the first violin.

Sibir – Amkar

Expert prediction: 2-1. Amkar beat Sibir in the first half of the championship and Novosibirsk sides is eager to take revenge on them.

Sport press prediction: 1-0.

Dynamo – Lokomotiv

Expert prediction: 1-1. Both teams are not at their best form and their clash is likely to end in a draw.

Sport press prediction: 1-0. Dynamo seem to be stronger and most likely they will take three points in Moscow derby.

Rubin – Saturn

Expert prediction: 2-0. Rubin will take three points and maybe will score even more than two goals.

Sport press prediction: 1-0. Kazan lost their strength a little bit, but they will win Sunday game anyway.

Alaniya – Anzhi

Expert prediction: 2-1. Shevchyuk is likely to remind his players of their loss in Makhachkala in the first half of the season.

Sport press prediction: 2-0. Anzhi won’t feel comfortable in Vladikavkaz.

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

NALCHIK AND ROSTOV IN CRUCIAL FRIDAY NIGHT BATTLE

Week Eighteen of Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia opens with a Friday evening battle that could have enormous implications on the race for a spot in Europe as Rostov welcomes fourth place Spartak Nalchik.


Whilst the attention has been on the likes of CSKA and Rubin fighting it out for the second spot, Yuriy Krasnozhan's Nalchik side have crept to within two points of a Champions League spot and Rostov is not backing down. The two upstarts sit at fourth and fifth in the table and as the campaign nears the final stretch run have a distinct possibility at grabbing a spot in Europe.

Oleh Protasov's Rostov have continued to play an up-tempo style and after a brief dip against Zenit and Dynamo have found their footing with three consecutive victories. Roman Adamov continues to produce with Alexandr Pavlenko a consistent force going forward. Rostov's lone absence is Dragan Blatnjak and Nalchik should expect their hosts to be patient and unwilling to expose themselves in the counter.

Nalchik is undoubtedly one of the season's great surprises and at the root of their success is the work of David Siradze and Vladimir Dyadyun. Nalchik's counter attacks have wreaked havoc on many this year with those two particularly dangerous. Manager Yuriy Krasnozhan has a fully fit line-up available to him and knows that a victory would propel his side to second and continue their push towards the Champions League.

Prepared by John Davies
... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

LOKOMOTIV WELCOMES SPARTAK IN MOSCOW DERBY

On Sunday, of week seventeen of the Championship of Russia all eyes will be poised on the final match of the day as Spartak visits Lokomotiv in a Moscow Derby of epic proportion.

The day kicks off with Alaniya Vladikavkaz versus relegation threatened Amkar Perm. Alaniya shocked Nalchik last week with manager Vladimir Shevchuk deploying a much more attack minded set. Amkar is in the midst of a four-match losing streak and only a point above Krylya Sovetov in the relegation zone. Rashid Rakhimov’s anaemic attack needs to find its scoring form but without playmaker Georgiy Peev, out due to injury, their advances have trickled.

Defending champions Rubin Kazan travels to Terek Grozny looking to maintain pressure on the field in pursuit of a Champions League berth. While Zenit possesses a seven-point margin, as well as an additional match to play, Rubin manager Kurban Berdyev has struck gold with the recent signings of former Newcastle striker Oba Martins and Alexey Medvedev. Grozny fell to Rostov last week in a hard fought battle and it is clear that with Blagoy Georgiev their attacking has slowed. Possibly more concerning is the lack of finishing from strikers, forcing Anatoly Baidachny to try a number of combinations.

Of strategic importance CSKA Moscow welcomes Anzhi Makhachkala to Arena Khimki with the Army-Men needing to maintain focus, less then give up more ground in the race. Leonid Slutsky’s new arrivals, Zoran Tosic and Seydou Doumbia, have been brilliant with Vágner Love not missing a beat since returning to the capital. Alan Dzagoev continues to mature into a rising star of the future, particularly from a centralist position but CSKA needs to remain its composure against Anzhi or they will be shocked. Veteran leader Gadzhi Gadzhiev has the Dagestan side in fine form and will deploy a tight, compact stance and look to thwart CSKA’s mercurial attack

In the premier match of the weekend, Spartak visits Lokomotiv in Moscow derby with both sides needing to maintain pace with Nalchik and Rostov for a spot in Europe. Spartak is deeply troubled at eighth in the table but have recently added Nicolás Pareja, from Espanyol and Aiden McGeady from Celtic, with Kirill Kombarov and Dmitriy Kombarov rumoured to be on their way from Dynamo. On the opposite end of the pitch, Lokomotiv mastermind Yuriy Semin welcomes back Oleksandr Aliyev after last week’s abysmal draw against the Samarans. He will be without Tomislav Dujmovic and Dmitriy Torbinski who were both shown red-cards. Both sides are in dire need of a victory, knowing a favourable result could propel their campaign forward, making this derby a heavyweight battle not to be missed.

Prepared by John Davies


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

ZENIT VS DYNAMO CLASH HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAY

After an abbreviated schedule last week, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns this weekend with a crucial series of contests in match day seventeen.


While Zenit Saint Petersburg would need a cataclysmic turn of fortune to overturn their undefeated season, slowly the story is turning to Nalchik and Rostov who have moved into the fourth and fifth spots and threatening for a spot in Europe.

The weekend kicks off Saturday as Krylya Sovetov visits Tom Tomsk. The Samaran's have managed three hard earned draws against Spartak, Dynamo and Lokomotiv in successive weeks and under the leadership of Alexandr Tarkhanov, they are beginning to look very much like a side capable of avoiding relegation.

Tom Tomsk are seventh in the table and not given up hopes for Europe. Manager Valeriy Nepomniachi has helped develop Artyom Dzyuba, on-loan from Spartak Moscow, into one of the top young strikers in Russia with the youngster lodging four goals since the break. The Siberian's must expect a tight defending resolve from Krylya Sovetov and they will need to make the most of their opportunities.

In the second match of the day, the Petrovsky faithful welcome Dynamo Moscow as Zenit Saint Petersburg looks to maintain their unbeaten form. Zenit, who saw last weeks pivotal contest against Spartak postponed are ploughing towards the title without seemingly a bump. Under manager Luciano Spalletti, Zenit is composed and since the break has asserted a new-found attacking authority.

Recent additions Bruno Alves, Alexandr Bukharov and Sergey Semak confirm Zenit's lofty goals in Europe and they have rarely looked threatened on the domestic front. Dynamo continues to reshape itself under Miodrag Bozovic with the arrival of Kevin Kurányi and expected departure of Dmitriy and Krill Kombarov. The White-Blue's have looked miserable on the road with a scant win in seven contests and will need to show significantly better finishing against Zenit if they are to return home with points.

Relegation threatened Sibir Novosibirsk travels to face Spartak Nalchik with Igor Kriushenko's side in dire straights after the sale of skipper Alexey Medvedev. Without the clubs leading goal scorer, the likes of Igor Shevchenko and Alexandr Antipenko will need to come up big. Yuriy Krasnozhan's Nalchik side is improbably within two points of a Champions League spot but in need of a response after Alaniya Vladikavkaz upset them last week. Undefeated at home, Vladimir Dyadyun has emerged as an attacking tour de force and at the root of Nalchik’s attacking success.

In the final match of the day Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast welcomes Rostov in an unexpected battle of epic proportions. The Ramenskoe-based side is the hottest in the league, whilst Rostov is staring down the gullet of a spot in Europe. Likewise, with four consecutive victories Andrey Gordeev's men has not only pushed aside relegation worries but with striking distance of a European berth. Both sides have shown recently an up-tempo form and the contest harkens to be a fast- paced affair.

Prepared by John Davies


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

ZENIT WELCOME UNIREA TO PETROVSKY

Following an opening leg scoreless draw in Romania, Zenit Saint Petersburg welcome Unirea Urziceni to Petrovsky in the deciding match of their Champions League third qualifying round.


Zenit, who continued their unbeaten start to the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia with an empowering 2-0 win over Rubin Kazan and growing in confidence. Under manager Luciano Spalletti, Zenit is transforming into a side that can play at the heights of Europe and the additions of Alexandr Bukharov and Bruno Alves will only further their goals.

In the opening leg of the tie, the match was relatively even until Răzvan Pădureţu was sent off with a straight red-card before the break. The second half saw Zenit dominate much of the run of the play but the Romanian hosts were resolute in the final third and were able to hold out for the scoreless draw.

Against Rubin, the Italian tactician juggled his line-up with Danko Lazović sitting out and likely to see a prominent role on Wednesday evening. Zenit will need to show greater attacking inspiration and finishing if they are to beat goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.

They should expect Unirea Urziceni manager Mihai Stoica to deploy a defending rich approach with great patience. Unirea has played two consecutive scoreless draws to open the Liga 1 campaign, including Saturday’s contest against Rapid Bucureşti and will likely keep the same compact approach and look to counter on Zenit's exposure.


Prepared by John Davies

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS

Today weekend predictions are made by former Spartak Moscow forward Valeriy Reingold and sport press journalist Pavel Aleshin.


Saturn vs. Anzhi

Expert predictions: 2:0 After the break Saturn has definitely improved. The players started to run and the team acquired nice play.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 Saturn is superior over any opponent even CSKA after the summer break. And Anzhi will hardly have the same good luck in Ramenskoe as they had in the match against Terek.

Spartak Nalchik vs. Amkar

Expert predictions: 2:0 In the match against CSKA Nalchik impressed me a lot. They show active football in contrast to Amkar.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 Both teams have well-formed play with the only difference that Nalchik has it to the goal and Perm only to the box.

Zenit vs. Rubin

Expert predictions: 1:0 If Zenit wins we can finish the championship. I mean that the golden medals will have its owners. Still I prefer Saint Petersburg who play aggressively and disciplined. I do not think Rubin will be able to hold thanks to their defensive line.

Sport press predictions: 0:0 The defence of Rubin is probably the only one that Zenit will not be able to open.

Terek vs. Alaniya

Expert predictions: 1:0 Though Terek’s play is not smooth one can easily see their potentials. And it is a home game after the loss to Anzhi.

Sport press predictions: 2:1 Grozny club should outscore Alaniya after the undeserved defeat to Anzhi.

Dynamo vs. Krylya Sovetov

Expert predictions: 3:0 I predict big victory of Dynamo not because the Moscow club plays so well but because Krylya show nothing.

Sport press predictions: 2:0 The surge of emotions caused by the debut of the new head of Krylya Alexandr Tarkhanov will be annulled with the debut of Kevin Kuranyi in Dynamo. In other aspects Muscovites are stronger than Samara.

Spartak vs. CSKA

Expert predictions: 0:1 Of course the current CSKA is not much stronger than Spartak as it used to be some time ago but nevertheless the class of the Army men is higher. What can Spartak oppose? Only desire and fight. But there are not many fighters among the Red-White squad at the moment.

Sport press predictions: 3:1 The quantity of missed opportunities is so great in Spartak that according to a mathematical law the converting percentage should rise. Moreover Spartak seemed to have found their game while CSKA dozed off in the abnormally hot Moscow.

Lokomotiv vs. Rostov

Expert predictions: 2:0 Lokomotiv has many problems in away matches but in Moscow they play nicely and effectively. Rostov simply has nothing to oppose to the Railway men.

Sport press predictions: 2:1 Lokomotiv should retain its minimum after the break – two scored goals. But Rostov will also see a consolation goal.

Tom vs. Sibir

Expert predictions: 0:0 The teams are absolutely equal. Maybe Tom is more experienced but Sibir showed its character recently and it can do it in Tomsk as well.

Sport press predictions: 3:2 Tom should do well in the match with one of the outsiders. But Sibir usually does not end up goalless.


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MOSCOW DERBY HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY PROGRAM

On Sunday, Luzhniki is the stage for the great Moscow derby between Spartak and CSKA with both sides needing to find their winning form after disappointing last week.


Spartak Moscow - CSKA Moscow

Valeriy Karpin’s side was held by Krylya Sovetov to a scoreless draw with the Zhano Ananidze led attack, lacking finishing power. Spartak’s season is limping through some difficult times and will greater resolve going forward, presumably with Alex to return in spearheading the attack.

Leonid Slutsky CSKA’s line-up lacked a cutting side against Nalchik last week and consistently out worked. CSKA face a number of personnel issues with young striker Guilherme returning to Dynamo Kyiv after the clubs were unable to reach an agreement. To add to CSKA’s problems, Keisuke Honda is rumoured to be out of favour with the manager, hence why he was left out of last week’s starting grid and Miloš Krasić, desperate for a move to Juventus, has shown little recent play.

Lokomotiv Moscow – Rostov

Yuriy Semin’s Railwaymen looked to be in route to an away victory before Sibir Novosibirsk staged a stunning second half comeback. Oleksandr Aliyev continues to dominate with his thunderous boot but Lokomotiv will need to show greater defending composure than last week. Maicon and Dmitriy Sychev have the makings of a solid attacking duo with Wágner supplying his playmaking vision. Rostov manager Oleh Protasov has his side within striking distance of a European spot but faces a massive challenge in Lokomotiv home grounds where their hosts has lost only once since Yuriy Semin’s return in May 2009.

Tom Tomsk – Sibir Novosibirsk

On Monday, action in week fifteen concludes with a Siberian derby as Tom Tomsk welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Valeriy Nepomnyaschy’s Tomsk has faltered since the break with off with three consecutive losses since the break and lacking in the defending end. Sibir were triumphant in the Europa League.

Manager Igor Kriushenko has a tough series of selection decision we with the second leg of their tie against Apollon on Thursday, they may be forced into changes.

Prepared by John Davies

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

PREMIER LEAGUE DAY 15 KICKS OFF TODAY

Premier League Matchday 15 kicks off today with Anzhi traveling to Moscow region and Spartak Nalchik welcoming Amkar.


Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast - Anzhi Makhachkala

On Friday, the action kicks off as Andrey Gordeev's Ramenskoe based side welcome Anzhi Makhachkala after lodging two consecutive wins have climbed out the relegation zone. Lead by an inspired effort by veterans Dmitriy Kirichenko and Denis Boyarintsev, Saturn which looked set for the drop have turned the campaign around.

Veteran leader Gadzhi Gadzhiev has Anzhi running on all cylinders, claiming three consecutive win including last weeks against Terek Grozny that came via David Tsorayev’s last winner.

Spartak Nalchik - Amkar Perm

Rashid Rakhimov’s Amkar Perm was edged by Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast via an early goal by Denis Boyarintsev but otherwise the Red-Black’s showed quality intent. In the latter stages, Amkar's Vitaliy Grishin narrowly missed scoring the leveller as his effort from just outside the area drifted a whisper wide of the right post.

Nalchik shocked CSKA last week, throwing the championship race completely into Zenit’s hands. Yuriy Krasnozhan has a full side available including Dmitriy Belorukov, who returns from suspension.

Prepared by John Davies

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SLUTSKY EYES SUNDAY DERBY AGAINST SPARTAK

CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky shares his point of view on the coming Moscow derby between his team and Spartak, which will be held at Luzhniki stadium on Sunday.


"Sometimes I think that beating Spartak is the most significant thing for CSKA fans and that would agree on dropout of Premier League even easier than on losing to our most uncompromising competitors", Slutsky said.

"Our acquisitions have been planed long time ago. We signed Doumbia in winter so we perfectly knew that he would join our squad".

"Transfer work is always in progress, however there are no players, who are close to signing contracts with us. I count on services of those players who took part in our trainings and Vagner Love is one of them".

"In his case everything depends on emotional background of the match. If the game is favourable for us, it can give Vagner Love additional strength".

"It’s hard to assess his current form, because I haven’t worked with him before and I have nothing to compare with. Our tests show that he is 70-80% ready now".

"Honda looked not well in the match in Samara, and tests showed that he hadn’t fully recovered from the World Cup and we decided to give him a break and prepare the player for the big game with Spartak. That is why Honda missed our clash with Spartak Nalchik".

"In general World Cup participants were exhausted, because this tournament requires their physical strength and energy and it definitely tells on players’ form".

"The World Championship ended some time ago, but it’s evident that players, who took part in it, haven’t restored their best conditions".

"On Sunday we will play a special game, which is very important for both sides. Besides it is the most significant derby of our country, teams will need to earn points".

"I came up against Spartak when I worked in different teams, won four matches and lost one game in nine meetings. Of course I would be glad to improve my personal statistics, but I understand that previous successes don’t guarantee positive results in future".

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

BOZOVIC: THERE IS NOTHING BAD IN OUR LOSS

Dynamo head coach Miodrag Bozovic is not going to make a tragedy out of his team’s loss to Rubin.

"It was only our blame for the first conceded goal, and in this case it’s hard to talk about painful loss", Bozovic said. " Nevertheless I have no claims to my players, because they were fighting on the field".

"As for the episode with non-awarded penalty shot for challenge of Kokorin, it’s hard to say whether it was right decision or not. Maybe it will be difficult to see on the videotape whether the opponent violated the rules, while the referee has to make decisions immediately, so I don’t blame him".

"Rubin was weakened by several selection problems since Bukharov moved to Zenit, Noboa was suspended and several other players were inured, but even taking into account these losses Kazan side has many other strong players".

"Sibaya played instead of Noboa, and I think there is no significant difference between them. One of them is more focused on defence, while the other is concentrated on attack, but they are both real professionals. To my mind Semak is one of the best players in Russia. We also had some troubles, which are not important at all now".

"I had only one striker for this match – Kokorin, because Voronin is out with a slight injury. However I don’t regret that we loaned Smolov to Feyenoord, as he had a lot of chances to show himself and be with the team. Anyway I think that absence of strikers is not the main reason of our defeat".

"I liked the first half of this match, since we controlled the game before the break. I don’t know why we failed the opening 10-15 minutes of the second half".

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

ZENIT REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH WIN OVER ROSTOV

Week fourteen of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia commenced on Saturday with Zenit Saint Petersburg extended its unbeaten form, laying further pressure on the field to stay abreast of their charge.


Alaniya Vladikavkaz - Tom Tomsk 2:1

The weekend got underway with Alaniya Vladikavkaz coming from the behind to defeat visiting Tom Tomsk 2-1.

Following their disheartening loss to Lokomotiv Moscow, Vladimir Shevchuk made four changes to his Alaniya line-up, bringing in Yuriy Kirillov, former CSKA Sofia-man Ivan Stoyanov, Boris Rotenberg and Ibrahim Gnanou. Valeriy Nepomnyaschy, who saw his side run roughshod by Anzhi last week, moved Artyom Dzyuba to the bench and brought in Georgiy Dzhioev and Kim Nam-Ilas he went with Belarusian international Sergey Kornilenko as the lone striker up top.

The match began with a well-disciplined start as neither side wanted to give up too much space. A morsel shy of the quarter-hour, Tomsk drew first blood as Ibrahim Gnanou brought down by Sergey Kornilenko as the striker surged into the area on the left channel, resulting in match day referee Maxim Layushkin adjudging a penalty. The Belarusian striker calmly stepped up and drilled the ball into the back of the net to give Tomsk the 1-0 lead.

After the restart, Alaniya began to probe with greater effectiveness and at the fifty-ninth minute Alexandr Marenich latched onto a long ball before surging into the area on the left channel and rocketing his effort in from twelve metres. Within two minutes, Valeriy Nepomnyaschy summoned Artyom Dzyuba into the Tomsk line-up with Andrey Ivanov coming shortly thereafter but with twenty minutes remaining, Alaniya notched the winning goal as Ibrahim Gnanou heading in a corner from the right. The balance of the contest was completely in Alaniya's favour as they laid claim to the full three points with a 2-1 victory.

Rostov - Zenit Saint Petersburg 1:3

Top to the table Zenit Saint Petersburg continued its recent upsurge with an assuring 3-1 victory over host Rostov.

The Italian tactician, ahead his sides opening Champions League qualifier against Romania's Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday, made four changes to his most recent lineup. Former FC Moscow man Yuriy Zhevnov made his first start in a league match for Zenit as Vyacheslav Malafeev away tending to personal matters, along with Viktor Faitzulin, Fernando Meira and Alessandro Rosina.

Behind the support of their voracious supporters, Oleh Protasov's side, after an early advance by Zenit, began to press forward with Alexandru Gaţcan testing Yuriy Zhevnov from the edge of the area. Rostov was holding Zenit back but just before the break, Alessandro Rosina surged down the right channel and sent a cross to the back-post as he approached the dead-ball line that Alexandr Kerzhakov turned in for the 1-0 lead.

At the re-start, Oleh Protasov ushered Alexandr Pavlenko in for Dmitriy Akimov but only five minutes in Zenit extended the lead when Danny latched on the long ball before scoring from the edge of the area. Zenit continued their onslaught and with twenty minutes remaining, went in front 3-0 as Danny, via a flanking long ball on the left, cross for Viktor Faitzulin who scored his first goal of the campaign from ten metres. As time ticked down, match day referee Alexandr Kolobaev assessing a penalty when Alexandr Anyukov brought down Igor Lebedenko was brought down in the area. In the ensuing effort, Igor Lebedenko drove the ball to the bottom right corner for the consolation marker, with Zenit Saint Petersburg claiming the 3-1 victory.

Rubin Kazan - Dynamo Moscow 2:0

Rubin Kazan maintained pace with league leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg with a 2-0 victory over visiting Dynamo Moscow, in a match that marked the debut the White-Blues highly promising young attacker Irakli Logua.

Kurban Berdyev’s Rubin Kazan side, awaiting the debut of former Newcastle striker Oba Martin's and without Alexandr Bukharov for the first time since his move to Zenit, summoned Petr Bystrov, Macbeth Sibaya and Rafal Murawski into the starting eleven. Miodrag Božović adjusted his Dynamo line-up with Alexandr Kokorin coming in for Andriy Voronin who suffered an injury in pre-match warm-up and Aleksey Rebko. After a quiet opening half whether neither side able to post a noteworthy effort, Rubin took the lead five minutes shy of the hour as on fast counter Alan Kasaev surged into the right side of the area before sending the ball into the roof of the net from six metres out. Only nine minutes later, the goal scorer added his second of the evening as he surged worked his way off the left flank, out manoeuvring three Dynamo defenders before sending a booming effort from just outside the area into the back of the net. With twenty-one minutes remaining, Miodrag Božović introduced attacker Irakli Logua in for his debut of the top flight and though the teen phenom did not have an impact, he is name to watch in the future. Through the balance of time, Rubin limited Dynamo's advances, in route to a 2-0 victory.

Prepared by John Davies for Sport Express

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

ARSHAVIN: I MISS TRAININGS

The Russian forward of Arsenal Andrey Arshavin who is at the moment in Austria with his team at the training camp spoke about the preparation to the coming season.


"It is the first so long a holiday in my career – almost two months but for several days," said the forward. "Sometimes I had a month and a half but not more."

"My spirits are high – I had wonderful holidays and really miss football and even trainings."

"The preparation for the season is almost identical to the one of the previous year and on its every day there is a certain schedule."

"The difference comparing to the previous season is that there are players who took part in the World Cup – they are returning to the team later and their schedule is corrected due to this."

"Comparing the English and Russian off-seasons there are no much difference. Maybe because for the last years in Russia I used to work with foreign coaches. The exercises are different but the essence is the same. Only the duration is different – in Russia pre-season is quite longer."

"In Austria we had two friendly matches but there were no specific tasks for the game. The head coach Arsene Wenger formulated the goal in the following way: “You will feel your legs tired but you will recall what football is like.”


... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

TIKHONOV DEFENDS KARPIN

The midfielder of Khimki Andrey Tikhonov eyes the situation in Spartak Moscow, his former club.


"Karpin is not to blame," thinks Tikhonov. "I assume that such a wonderful player cannot bring in anything negative to the team only positive."

"Karpin must remain in the club. And those are guilty who enter the field. I cannot comment whether Spartak needs new players but I am sure Karpin should work on."

"It is for the coach to decide but if a goalkeeper goofs regularly it is time to draw conclusions."

... but nothing matches the thrill and challenge of having money on the line!

KOLODIN EYES THE CLASH AGAINST RUBIN

The defender of Dynamo Moscow and the Russian national team Denis Kolodin eyes the Saturday fixture against Rubin Kazan.


"Personally for me Rubin was a convenient opponent," said Kolodin. "Uralan and Krylya Sovetov never lost to Rubin when I was playing in these clubs. And Dynamo also won at first. But than the situation changed drastically."

"I think that we should play defensively to make it more difficult for Rubin to counterattack. And we usually rolled the ball too much. Romantic football against Rubin is ineffective."


It matters more when there's money on it!