SPARTAK WELCOMES LOKOMOTIV ON SUNDAY

The premier match on Sunday of week three of the Russian Championship is unquestionably the Moscow derby between Spartak and Lokomotiv at Luzhniki Stadium.


Spartak Moscow – Lokomotiv Moscow

Spartak enters the match in clear need of their first victory of the year. The Krasno-belye cannot afford to defending champions Rubin Kazan to extend their lead as it already stands at a hefty fifty points. Standing in their way is Yuriy Semin's Lokomotiv, who excluding a late collapse in the opening week loss to Rubin have been near perfect. Rebounding from loss, the Railwayman overwhelmed Krylya Sovetov last week with overwhelming display. Lokomotiv welcomed Dmitriy Torbinsky back, after missing the opening day due to a suspension that carried over from last year and his presence was notable as Yuriy Semin’s side showed greater attacking vision and once again, commanding in the defending end. New signing Oleksandr Aliyev has established his booming leg and solid promise as a two-way team player. Finishing has been less than optimal, with Peter Odemwingie and Dramane Traoré off the mark but are highly capable.

After a trying opening day against Dynamo, Spartak showed a venomous attack against Zenit Saint Petersburg early, only to be outmatched by goalkeeper Soslan Dzhanaev's man of the match performance. In their first starting assignments, Ari was a perfect supporting striker for Welliton.and Marek Suchý, on-loan from Slavia Praha, had a role in the opening goal as well as keeping Alexandr Kerzhakov in check. All signs point to the tactical gem of a match with opportunities greatly limited.

Rubin Kazan – Terek Grozny

On Sunday Rubin Kazan focus their efforts on maintaining their perfect record to the start of the new campaign as they welcome Terek Grozny to Central Stadium.

Grozny has shown well in the opening two weeks, though last weeks home opener saw an otherwise superb performance against Rostov spoiled with a late leveller by Mersudin Ahmetović. The Chechen side have done well in the past against Rubin but this years unit, led by Bulgarian playmaker Blagoy Georgiev, with strikers Shamil Asildarov and Hector Bracamonte will need to step up the pace against the defending champions.

Defending champions Rubin Kazan, despite a perfect record are definitely suffering through a slow start. They were fortunate to come out with a win against Tom Tomsk on Monday, due in part to a series of highly questionable calls after stymied in the opening week against Lokomotiv until the Railwaymen ran out of steam late. That aside, a perfect record even when you are not in top form speaks volumes and Kurban Berdyev's side possess plenty of firepower. Of special note, Andrei Gorbanets and Alan Kasaev have quickly emerged in the midfield and with Rubin no longer burdened with European competition, they could distance themselves from the field early in the season.

Rostov – Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast

In the final match of the weekend, Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast visits Rostov with both sides in the hunt for their first victory of the new year.

Andrey Gordeev’s Ramenskoe based side have been deeply disappointed with their opening two weeks. Fortunate to with Alaniya Vladikavkaz and Sibir Novosibirsk on the schedule, they have only been able to come out with two draws, marked with inconsistent play. In a confusing performance last week against the visiting Siberian side, they were out worked in opening forty-five minute before taking charge after the break. Despite their quality, they have yet to show the same tenacity as last year and need to break out quickly before they drop too many points against lower division sides. However, Saturn's fortunes could make a drastic turnaround shortly with the news that Dmitriy Loskov is ready to return. Though it is unclear at this time if legendary attacker is ready to return, no less against Rostov where his career begin, his impact will be notable and must be watched.

Rostov comes into the match looking to wipe the slate clean of the opening weeks. They followed up the opening day loss to Tomsk with an extremely fortunate draw to Terek Grozny last week. Outplayed from the opening whistle, excluding a late strike, Rostov has lacked syncopation. Despite this, Rostov possesses some very fine talent and capable of far more than what they have shown. Alexandr Pavlenko and Alexandru Gaţcan have shown very well in the midfield and it is only time until Roman Adamov finds the mark and helps turn Rostov's season around.

Prepared by John Davies

PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 3 PREDICTIONS

Predictions are made by former midfielder of Spartak and Russian national team Egor Titov and sport press journalist Alexandr Martanov.


Sibir – Spartak Nalchik

Expert prediction: 2-0. My sister’s husband Alexey Vasilyev plays in Sibir, so I will support this team and I wish them good luck.

Sport press journalist's prediction: 1-0. Sibir conceded only two goals in 19 home games last season and conceded the same number of goals in the first match of the current campaign from Terek. Nevetherless I think that they will please their fans with victory.

Krylya Sovetov – FC Tom

Expert prediction: 1-0. I have no words to describe what happened with Krylya Sovetov and their fans. Logically hosts have no chances but I believe in their players.

Sport press journalist's: 1-0. Samara team looked awfully in Cherkizovo, but maybe they will manage to add players to their rosters. Even if they don’t do it, they can take three points anyway.

Dynamo – Zenit

Expert prediction: 1-1. It is one of the most difficult matches for prediction. Both Dynamo and Zenit don’t want to lose to their main competitors. I guess they will play defensive football, but they will score goals and I guess the scorers will be Kerzhakov and Voronin.

Sport press journalist's: 1-0. It seems to me that hosts will be luckier as Dynamo impressed me more than Zenit at the start of the championship.

Spartak – Lokomotiv

Expert prediction: 2-0. There cannot be other variants, because nobody would understand me if I stake on Lokomotiv.

Sport press journalist's: 1-2. Experienced Yuriy Semin was hurt by last autumn’s 0:3 defeat from less-experienced Valeriy Karpin. He will definitely take revenge upon Spartak for that loss.

Rubin – Terek

Expert prediction: 2-0. With all my respect of Terek I don’t see anything that they will oppose to Rubin. Kazan club had serious playing practice plus Alexandr Bukharov is on a high. I suppose he is number one player in Russia nowadays.

Sport press journalist's: 3-0. Last year Rubin crushed Terek 4:0 in Kazan and after that they didn’t become weaker.

Rostov – Saturn

Expert prediction: 1-2. I have more friends in Saturn so I will support them. Their victory is more probable, because their class is higher than Rostov’s level.

Sport press journalist's: 1-1. Draw is the most probable variant for me.

YURAN: I LIKED DYNAMO MORE THAN OTHERS

Sport press experts Yuriy Ivanov and Sergey Yuran comment on Premier League first two weeks of action.


"Russian clubs demonstrated absolutely different football at the start of the championship, and it’s clear that teams are in different form now", Yuriy Ivanov commented.

"Two weeks are not very long period of time, however it was enough for superficial acquaintance with the teams. Fans and specialists got an opportunity to assess all changes made by the clubs in winter break".

"For example, I liked new Dynamo, I was not disappointed by Rubin and CSKA, and I got pleasant impressions from Spartak and Zenit".

"Financial crisis divided teams into two groups and it influenced the first results of the season. Poorer clubs achieved modest results and I am sure that their far-going ambitions won’t compensate lack of high-class players".

"I mentioned that teams get used to the new season not very quickly", said Sergey Yuran. "And reason of it is easy to understand, because coaches want to increase tempo little by little. As the result players will gain their best form only by the fifth or sixth matchday".

"Teams also lack playing practice. Trial games don’t give clubs necessary preparation, and they have to re-establish their skills in official matches".

"After the first two weekends I liked Dynamo more than other teams. It’s surprising that looking at their well-balanced play, you don’t mention big number of their newcomers".

"I also Liked Rubin, Lokomotiv and Tom. I suppose that Rubin and Dynamo are in the group of the main contenders for the title this year. Both teams are well disciplined and stick to the head coach’s directions".

"Spartak was overwhelmed by emotions in the match with Dynamo. They didn’t show their football, though they demonstrated their best qualities".

"I agree that difference between leading group of six and other clubs is enormous this season. I don’t want to hurt Anzhi, Alaniya or Sibir, but it’s evident that difference between them and favourites are very big".

MOSCOW DERBY HIGHLIGHTS PREMIER LEAGUE SUNDAY PROGRAM

Schedulers in the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia saved the higher profile matches for the last, as the top of the table will battle on Sunday, with defending champions Rubin Kazan in a rare Monday match-up.


On Sunday afternoon, the Petrovsky faithful will be in full force as Spartak Moscow visits Zenit Saint Petersburg. The opening weeks for both sides were less than fulfilling as Spartak saw their much-lauded attack well controlled by Dynamo, in route to a loss, whilst Zenit was greatly limited by Krylya Sovetov. Whilst the opening week contest saw Valeriy Karpin’s run into an inspired performance by Dynamo and a possible hint of a shape of things to come from the White-Blues this year, Zenit, despite all the fan fare looked disjointed against the Samara.

In his comments to sport press, Mr. Karpin succinctly noted the Krasno-belye’s chief problem was the lack of movement and “complacency” and the youthful manager will ensure his side are more than prepared for higher work rate. Without a doubt, Spartak will need great attacking vision cutting upon Zenit and if last week is any in Luciano Spalletti’s debut in-charge of the Saint Petersburg side, they will be very patient going forward. The former Roma manger deployed his customary 4-2-3-1 formation but service to striker Alexandr Kerzhakov was terribly lacking and for the most part, efforts were of the low probability kind. Should Zenit not show a greater attacking vision, this match could grind out to a mid-field affair with Spartak the initiator.

Dynamo gets no break from back-to-back opening week Moscow Derby's as they go up against CSKA. It was hard not to come out for Dynamo’s victory over Spartak and question whether manager Andrey Kobelev has created a masterpiece in their winter signings. The White-Blues played as a team, with gritty resolve against their rivals and Andriy Voronin sparkled at times as well as showing a venomous desire to win.

This has all the makings of classic Derby battle as CSKA, coming off the highs of winning advancement to the Champions League quarterfinals will be ripe for an upset. Dynamo, who were brilliant in limiting Spartak last week, will need to the do same against Leonid Slutsky’s attacking quad of Miloš Krasić, Alan Dzagoev, Keisuke Honda and Tomáš Necid. The test for the Army-Men manager is to control the reigns of his side and return focus for the domestic campaign, starting with Sunday’s crucial test.

On Monday, defending champions Rubin Kazan will need to be careful in their visit Tom Tomsk or the Siberian side could steal points from them. After their extra-time loss to Wolfsburg in the Europa League, Kurban Berdyev will direct his side towards winning their third successive domestic crown. Standing in their way will be a Tom Tomsk, who were superb last week, with Sergei Kornilenko leading the way in a 2-0 defeat of Rostov.

The Belarusian international returned to Siberia, on-loan from Zenit Saint-Petersburg and immediately reaffirmed his goal-scoring prowess with two highly professional marks. Tomsk manager Valeriy Nepomnyaschy saw youngster Andrey Ivanov shine after summoning him at the hour and will be tempted to give him a spot in the starting eleven. Mr. Berdyev has consistently shown the ability to juggle his line-up, getting the best from his side and will need to do so again on Monday to push past the stubborn Siberian side.

Prepared by John Davies

PREMIER LEAGUE SATURDAY MATCHES PREVIEW

Following the Friday evening Caucasus Derby between Alaniya Vladikavkaz and Spartak Nalchik, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia features four key matches, including important test for the leagues new entrants this campaign.


After solid starts last week, Anzhi Makhachkala and Sibir Novosibirsk face tough tests as they head out on the road, in matches that will show a great deal if they have the ability to stay in the top flight.

The opening match of the day sees Anzhi Makhachkala visits Amkar Perm as both sides look for an important win. Rashid Rakhimov’s side were superb in last weeks opening tussle against CSKA Moscow and ground the Army-Men attack down to a trickle. With the exception of a late, highly fortuitous goal by Keisuke Honda, Amkar was perfect and deserving of a draw. Anzhi Makhachkala showed a strong defending resolve in their opening week draw with Nalchik and will need to show similar traits against the Red-Blacks. Anzhi manager Omari Tetradze was rewarded with superb play from Jan Holenda once he was introduced after the break and will be tempted to bring the former Sparta Praha man into the starting eleven.

In the opening week of the campaign, Rostov ran into the Sergey Kornilenko show of Tom Tomsk, something many sides may find out this year, in route to a loss. They face an equally tough test as they visit Chechnya’s Terek Grozny who could be one of the surprises of the season. Anatoly Baidachny’s side boasts an attacking juggernaut of Bulgarian playmaker Blagoy Georgiev, a fit Hector Bracamonte and Shamil Asildarov, who picked up where he left off last year at Nalchik. Rostov will need to show a significantly improved defending vision against Grozny or they will go down to their second defeat in the early season.

Sibir Novosibirsk travel to Ramenskoe to face Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, in what will surely be less than hospitable surroundings. Andrey Gordeev’s have consistently shown a better front at home and they will be looking to make amends for last week’s draw with Alaniya Vladikavkaz. The opening day test saw their hosts buoyed with support of their home fans and after the Ramenskoe-side went out in front early, it was clear the absences of attacking forces Dmitriy Loskov and Marko Topić greatly limited their efforts later in the day. The Siberian’s are the favourites for the drop and need to consider wisely tactical choices on the road. Last weeks loss to Terek Grozny showed a tenacious resolve and some solid points to build on but they face a key test in how they will approach play away from home. Sibir manager Igor Kriushenko saw very solid attacking vision from Alexandr Degtyaryov and Alexey Medvedev after the break and will have some decisions to make with his line-up. He will however be without the services of Denis Bukhryakov, under suspension, as he was sent-off late last week.

In the final match of the day Krylya Sovetov face the difficult test of visiting Yuriy Semin’s Lokomotiv Moscow. The Railwaymen are nearly unstoppable in front of their home fans and following their loss to Rubin Kazan in the opening week of competition will have something to prove. Whether it was the near unplayable “field” in Kazan that limited Lokomotiv’s efforts or just poor finishing, they need to show greater production from their strikers when the opportunity presents itself. The Samaran’s are coming off a peculiar loss to Zenit Saint Petersburg, in which they will have mixed emotions. Clearly out-matched by the Saint Petersburg side, the financially troubled unit showed solid defending resolve. Other than Danny’s counter attack goal, Samaran manager Yuriy Gazzaev put together a tactical gem in keeping the match without one strike. In their trip to the capital city, they will need to do the same against Lokomotiv. For fans of tactical football, this has the makings of a brilliant encounter with the genius of Yuriy Semin pitted against a very impressive Yuriy Gazzaev.

Prepared by John Davies

INTER? MANCHESTER? BARCELONA?

The head coach and players of CSKA spoke who and why they wanted to play in the Champions League quarterfinals.


Leonid Slutsky, head coach: "It would be unfair if I say that I do not care with whom to play in the Champions League. But most of all I do not want to get Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter as rivals."

"Probably if you ask any of our possible opponents who they want to play on this stage the answer would be one – CSKA. And it is quite easy to understand – Bordeaux, Lyon, Arsenal and Bayern are all recognized top teams. But to my mind the three mentioned undesirable clubs have an advantage in level."

Igor Akinfeev, goalkeeper: "Actually it does not matter to me what team to play. And I do not think it is wise to try guessing for we will know soon enough."

Evgeniy Aldonin, midfielder: "Choice on this stage of the competition is rather relative – only most serious teams are left. In this situation it does not matter who will you get."

"In terms of the tournament competition French clubs seems to be more favourable but look: Lyon has just kicked out Real Madrid of the competition and Bordeaux outplayed Bayern and Juventus to occupy the first place in the group showing great powerful football."

"So you can choose as much as you please but you will not get any advantage. The only thing I do not want on this stage already is to oppose Barcelona. This team is really stunning now especially at home. And the physical form of Messi impresses a lot."

Vasiliy Berezutsky, defender: "We are to play in Italy! Milos Krasic and I have said it together without previous arrangements while on the plane from Seville. And if an idea occurs in two heads simultaneously that means it is correct."

"But no matter what the results of the draw will be we will fight with any opponent. Moreover by the end of March – beginning of April the form of CSKA will improve – at the moment we are only acquiring it. On the contrary all the opponents have their championships drawing to a close. So we will definitely have some chances and we just need to grab them."

Alexey Berezutsky, defender: "The choice in the quarterfinals is quite conventional because there are no weak opponents. But I want to have a club with a name. And the greater the name the better."

Mark Gonzalez, midfielder: "Had I a choice to pick up our challenger I would prefer Manchester United. It turned so that when CSKA was playing this team in the group stage I was injured and could not take part in either of two matches. And for me, as a former player of Liverpool, it is very important to compete with the current English champion."

Milos Krasic, midfielder: "You cannot find a weak opponent in the Champions League quarterfinals – and it is quite obvious. So it is useless to choose anybody. But I have a feeling that the draw will bring us together with the Italian champions. Internazionale is a very strong club and it will be interesting to play against them."

Tomas Necid, forward: "I would prefer Barcelona – I have always wanted to play at the Camp Nou stadium. And actually the stronger the rival the more interesting it is."

Keisuke Honda, midfielder: Actually I do not care whom to play in the Round of 8. First of all because everybody there are strong, and secondly my favourite club – Real Madrid has already stumbled out of the competition. It would have been very attractive to play with them."

"But this way or other I am sure that CSKA will improve by the quarterfinals and we will be able to compete with any team."

Deividas Semberas, midfielder: "There is no much difference: no clubs are easy. And it is not a good thing to choose one’s opponent. For example Sevilla said to be happy when the draw brought it together with CSKA. And where is Sevilla now?"

CAUCASUS DERBY AS VLADIKAVKAZ VISITS NALCHIK

After a solid opening week of the 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, the action heats up on Friday with a Caucasus Derby as Alaniya Vladikavkaz travels northeast to face Spartak Nalchik.


Alaniya Vladikavkaz, who many felt did not have the talent to play in the top flight after they were promoted from the First Division after the demise FC Moscow’s financial fallout, were pleased with a disciplined 1-1 draw to Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast.

Though Vladimir Shevchuk’s lacked confidence early, they slowly began to show some attacking vision going forward but managed to maintain a well defensive scheme throughout the day. In their short trip to Nalchik, they will need to show similar defending attributes and make great use of the counter attack.

Spartak Nalchik, who managed to pull off the great escape in 2009 with a remarkable last season run to avoid relegation, were lacking in quality in their nil draw to Anzhi Makhachkala last week. Manager Yuriy Krasnozhan, who saw Shamil Asildarov emerge as a superb goal scorer last year, was clearly missing the striker who made his way to Terek Grozny during the winter. Nalchik consistently displayed notable goal scoring prowess in front of their voracious home supporters last year, with double the output as opposed to being on the road, will need David Siradze to produce at striker or this could be a challenging year.

Slovenian international Dejan Rusič, who did not feature in last week’s contest, came over from Romanian side Timişoara in the winter and could become a key force in the Nalchik lineup once he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings.

Tensions will run hot in Friday’s Caucasus Derby and viewers should expect an intensely fought affair that they will not want to miss.

Prepared by John Davies

RUBIN KAZAN’S TEST IN WOLFSBURG

Coming off CSKA’s remarkable advancement to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Rubin Kazan looks to push to the next stage of the Europa League as they visit VfL Wolfsburg at Volkswagen Arena in the second-leg of their tie.


The task of the Russian champions will not be an easy one, as they found out in the opening-leg 1-1 draw in Kazan on 11 March and they have a further concern that Wolfsburg is riding a wave of optimism under manager Lorenz-Günther Köstner.

The tide has turned quickly in Wolfsburg since the new manager took over from Armin Veh on 25 January. Quickly restoring the attacking principles that saw them claim their first Bundesliga title last year, Zvjezdan Misimović and Edin Džeko are performing at a lustful goal-scoring pace, with much credit owing to the return of right back Peter Pekarík, formerly of MŠK Žilina, back into the starting eleven.

Die Wölfe is riding a four match-winning streak, including last Saturday’s 4-0 slaughter of Borussia Mönchengladbach at Borussia-Park and showing no signs in letting up.

Rubin Kazan, in the opening week of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, got past Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 with a late surge. Though the match was a bottled-up affair, manager Kurban Berdyev magnificently utilized his bench and will have no personnel problems in their German visit.

While Mr. Berdyev is known to refrain from the spotlight, what he has accomplished with the Tatarstan side is remarkable. Should he manufacture an upset, Rubin Kazan will be positioned perfectly for a run towards the final in Hamburg and he might find himself at the centre of the football world.

However to do so, they will first need to get past Wolfsburg in what is likely a wide-open, attack-laden contest.

Prepared by John Davies

BOZOVIC COULD HEAD DNEPR

Amkar and FC Moskva former head coach Miodrag Bozovic could move to the Ukrainian championship.


The 41-yea-old specialist is said to be close to replacing Dnepr head coach Vladimir Bessonov in the new season.

Bozovic and Dnepr management are rumoured to reach preliminary agreement, and the coach’s agent is expected to come to Dnepropetrovsk to discuss details of the contract.

Meanwhile the club’s official representatives don’t confirm this information.

"I said several times that Vladimir Bessonov would stay in the team minimum until the end of the current season", said Dnepr general director Andrey Stetsenko. "I cannot comment on rumours".

SLUTSKY SATISFIED WITH CSKA READINESS

CSKA head coach Leonid Slutsky is satisfied with his team’s readiness for the Champions League clash against Sevilla and hopes that his club will surprise Spanish side with their play tonight.


"After the first matches of the new season I understand that I would get rid of only one thing – injuries", Slutsky told sport press. "Dzagoev, Krasic and Gonzalez would look much better if not their injury problems during winter preparations".

"I am satisfied with the team’s readiness, as we begin the season in perfect form. At the same time I am not glad with poor chance conversion, but it’s consequence of injuries of leading attackers".

"We really had few scoring chances against Sevilla, but in such games there cannot be many opportunities to score. In the match with Rubin there were enough scoring episodes and we didn’t convert them at all".

"Our best football is supposed to be enough, but we should outplay Sevilla. It’s necessary not to hope that they will make mistakes, but to be better in attack".

NECID EYES SEVILLA CLASH

CSKA striker Tomas Necid believes that his club will achieve necessary result in the Champions League clash against Sevilla.


"CSKA’s start of the season was rather contradictory", Necid said. "We played well in all three matches, created a lot of scoring opportunities, especially against Sevilla and Rubin, but achieved necessary result only in the last game with Amkar".

"It’s great that we grabbed victory in injury time, because it shows our fighting character and gives us emotional boost ahead of our trip to Spain".

"It’s hard to say why we don’t score many goals. I think that our problems will disappear after the first excellent match".

"I think CSKA is in good form now and if we manage to be united team in Sevilla, we will attain necessary result. In any case I believe it will be really so".

"I have already played against Sevilla when I was in Slavia, but both times without success – 2:4 in Spain and 0:3 at home".

SEMSHOV: IT WAS ONLY FIRST MATCH

The returning of the midfielder Igor Semshov to Dynamo turned triumphant: in the very first match of the Russian Premier League he brought victory to his team scoring against Spartak Moscow.


"The match was not easy – after all it was the first matchday and moreover a derby," shared his views Semshov. "We were lucky: managed to score."

"Not everything worked out in the game of both teams. Again only the first match of the championship. And there was a lot of combating – everyone wanted to win."

"The ball rebounded to me, I turned over and kicked well. I did not know what was happening behind me and I do not know whether my goal was due to a mistake of Spartak defenders."

"In general both teams did no kick a lot on target, and I think that was the result of good actions of both defending lines."

"When it started snowing it hindered the game and we even lost the ball. It became very difficult to orient on the field."

"Players appealed a lot to the referee today and that was connected with our emotions. When you want to win you think that the referee should always whistle in your favour."

"We have a lot of work to do in Dynamo still. There are many players in the team who did not play here the previous season including me. And we need to get used to one another. I am sure from match to match we will unite."

"I know that HC Dynamo lost to Spartak yesterday 0:4 when the second half started in Luzhniki. Now our hockey players have holidays so let them come and support us."

PREMIER LEAGUE SATURDAY PROGRAM PREVIEW

Following the Friday evening season opener of Amkar Perm versus CSKA Moscow at Luzhniki Stadium, the balance of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia gets underway on the weekend.


Krylya Sovetov v Zenit Saint-Petersburg

Saturday begins with high flying Zenit Saint Petersburg visiting Krylya Sovetov in Samara.

Of the many heroes in the 2009 Russian campaign, there is a special chapter dedicated to Anatoliy Davydov. Starting with his extraordinary playing days for Zenit Leningrad, through to his coaching career, Mr. Davydov has shown tireless devotion for Zenit and once he took over from Dick Advocaat in August the club quickly pushed to a third place finish.

With former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti now in-charge, Zenit has re-tooled its line-up into one of the most potent attacking sides in Russia with firm plans on European play. Along with Alexandr Kerzhakov returning from Dynamo, Zenit has added Serbian international Danko Lazović from PSV and defender Michael Lumb from AGF. Combined with Vladimir Bystrov, Danny and Szabolcs Huszti, Zenit are capable of scoring at will and an immediate threat to stand atop the league at years-end.

For Krylya Sovetov, the winter months were a trying time as they faced enormous financial hurdles to escape the same fate of FC Moscow. Faced with uncertainty to this day, with countless questions on the payment of player and coaches salaries, manager Yuriy Gazzaev faces a massive task. The Samaran’s have lost their top talent, including Jan Koller, Jiří Jarošík, Timofey Kalachev and Vladislav Ignatyev, with few additions to note. Krylia will need Evgeniy Savin and the highly promising Alexandr Stavpets, who arrived from FC Moscow, to produce in the attacking end within a well disciplined plan of attack.

Anzhi Makhachkala v Spartak Nalchik

The second match of Saturday sees 2009 “great escape” winners, Spartak Nalchik, visit newly promoted Anzhi Makhachkala.

Spartak Nalchik stunning last season run to avoid relegation was awe inspiring. Manager Yuriy Krasnozhan has lost sharpshooter Shamil Asildarov to Terek Grozny along with Antonio Ferreira and Dmitriy Yatchenko, without a great deal of incoming talent.

After winning the First Division, Omari Tetradze's Anzhi Makhachkala have added Mitar Peković from Vojvodina, Jan Holenda from Sparta Praha and Todor Timonov from CSKA Sofia.

Rostov v Tom Tomsk

In the final match of Saturday, Rostov welcomes Tom Tomsk in what is likely to be a mid-table battle.

Rostov barely avoided relegation last year but made considerable additions to this years line-up that includes Sorin Ghionea from Steaua Bucureşti, Timofei Kalachev from Krylya Sovetov, goalkeeper Dejan Radić from Spartak Nalchik as well as loaning Roman Adamov from Rubin Kazan and Stanislav Ivanov from Lokomotiv Moscow. Manager Oleg Protasov, is no stranger to football aficionados of the Soviet Union and has a very capable line-up as he targets a mid-table finish.

Siberia's Tom Tomsk, led by Valeriy Nepomnyaschy is capable of a mid-table table finish along with side savvy Đorđe Jokić returning have but have made crucial additions with Kim Nam-Il from Vissel Kobe, Belarusian striker Sergey Kornilenko, on-loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg and Serghei Covalciuc from Spartak Moscow.

Prepared by John Davies

SPARTAK TAKES ON DYNAMO ON SUNDAY

Russian Premier League Week 1 program will finish with four matches on Sunday with Spartak vs. Dynamo Moscow derby being the main attraction of the day.


Sibir Novosibirsk v Terek Grozny

The opening match on Sunday has newly promoted Sibir Novosibirsk welcome Terek Grozny to the chilly confines of Spartak Stadium.

Despite flirting with relegation last season, Chechnya's Terek Grozny fine stable of talent have them on paper able to contest for a mid-table finish. Combining always-dangerous playmaker Blagoy Georgiev with veteran striker Hector Bracamonte, assuming he is fully fit, Grozny will cause a number of surprises. Anatoly Baidachny's side have unloaded Romanian's Andrei Mărgăritescu, Daniel Pancu and Florentin Petre and made the superb additions of Maurício from Fluminense, Hugo Báez from CSKA Sofia as well Spartak Nalchik trio, Antonio Ferreira, Dmitriy Yatchenko and Shamil Asildarov.

Sibir Novosibirsk enters the top flight of Russian football for the first time in its history and facing a yearlong fight to avoid relegation. Manager Igor Kriushenko tactical approach will be tested as his Siberian side is lacking in overall talent. Novosibirsk will need veteran strikers Alexandr Antipenko, Alexey Medvedev and Gennadiy Bliznyuk to produce if they are to have a chance. In Sunday’s match, unquestionably weather will be highly influential as mid March in Siberia will see temperatures well below freezing.

Rubin Kazan v Lokomotiv Moscow

In one of the weekend’s most exciting matches, Yuriy Semin's Lokomotiv Moscow visit defending champions Rubin Kazan.

Kurban Berdyev's Rubin Kazan has adjusted with the loss of striker Alejandro Domínguez to Valencia with the addition of Fatih Tekke from Zenit Saint Petersburg but otherwise been quiet in their acquisitions compared to his competition. Last year the manager was brilliant in juggling his line-up but Rubin faces considerable challenges this year with heavier demands that includes this past Thursdays Europa League test against VfL Wolfsburg.

As with other managerial success stories, Anatoliy Davydov, Leonid Slutsky and Valeriy Karpin, this past May saw the triumphant return of Yuriy Semin to Lokomotiv Moscow from Dynamo Kiev. Under the guise of the Peoples Coach, the Railwaymen were nothing short of brilliant in rising to the fourth spot despite a number of personnel shortfalls. After the departure of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s to Everton, Dmitriy Sychev and Denis Glushakov picked up the slack and provided brilliant leadership. The further addition of Wágner quickly proved to be a masterstroke with Alan Gatagov quickly developing into one of Russia’s top teen products. In a last minute signing raid, Mr. Semin has bolstered his side with Branko Ilič from FC Moskva and exciting attacker Maicon from Fluminense of the Brasileirão. Striker Peter Odemwingie is finally playing up to his vast potential and should he and new additional, Ukrainian international Oleksandr Aliyev have the type of years they are capable of, Lokomtiv will threaten for a Champions League spot.

Alania Vladikavkaz v Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast

In one of the weekend’s more interesting contests, Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast visits Alania Vladikavkaz.

Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, who soared once Andrey Gordeev took over from Jürgen Röber are targeting a top six finish. The Ramenskoe-based side boast a impressive veteran line-up of Dmitriy Loskov, Andrei Karyaka, Dmitriy Kirichenko and Marko Topić and with the additions of Denis Boyarintsev and Martin Jakubko are more than capable of testing a spot in Europe.

Alania Vladikavkaz benefited from FC Moscow's fall and return to the top flight of Russian football after five years in the lower division. Vladimir Shevchuk's side have acted quickly, adding Sani Kaita, on loan from AS Monaco, as well as CSKA Sofia duo Ivan Ivanov and Ivan Stoyanov but will need to squeeze out points against lower tier sides to avoid relegation in what will be a challenging season.

Spartak Moscow v Dynamo Moscow

The final match of Sunday sets the stage for the Moscow derby between Spartak and Dynamo at Luzhniki Stadium.

Finishing second last year, Spartak Moscow was led by virtuoso Valeriy Karpin who immediately injected a youthful flourish to the Krasno-belye. Resurrecting visions of the legendary Oleg Romantsev, Spartak responded to the new leader with scoring machine Welliton terrorizing the opposition as the leagues top goal-scorer. Along with teen protégé's Pavel Yakovlev and Jano Ananidze, and Alex, who displayed an uncanny attacking vision, Spartak have added Ari from AZ, along with the return Artem Dzyuba and Alexandr Prudnikov from loan assignment. Spartak line-up have shored up defending with Marek Suchý on loan from Slavia Praha and Nikola Drinčić from Amkar Perm, though the latter is out with long term injury.

Dynamo Moscow return to the hunt for a top six finish after a disappointing second half last year that that saw them drift to a eighth place finish. Besieged with Troubled with injury problems, White-Blues manager Andrey Kobelev was challenged at times merely to field a proper line-up and have clearly prioritized depth this winter. Dynamo has been one of the biggest winners in the acquisition market this winter with the formidable additions of Russian international Alexey Rebko as well as Alexandru Epureanu, Alexandr Samedov and Edgaras Česnauskis from FC Moscow, Andriy Voronin from Liverpool as well as return of veteran Igor Semshov from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS

Predictions are made by the former defender of the Soviet national team Vladimir Ponomarev and Sport Express journalist Alexandr Lvov.


Krylya Sovetov – Zenit

Expert prediction: 1-1. Samara side had tough winter break, but they managed to keep the team in Premier League and it will cause players’ emotional mindset. Moreover they will need to prove their right to play among the country’s strongest clubs.

Sport Express prediction: 1-3. Krylya Sovetov financial problems won’t let them take any points against Zenit.

Anzhi – Spartak Nalchik

Expert prediction: 0-0. It seems that teams won’t please their fans with goals.

Sport Express prediction: 1-1. Hosts think only about victory, while visitors will do everything possible not to lose.

Rostov – FC Tom

Expert prediction: 1-0. Rostov’s physical form and mindset at the beginning of spring will be enough for victory.

Sport Express prediction: 2-1. Very difficult match to predict its result. Rostov’s main strong sides are perfect selection, Oleg Protasov and their fans, while Tom will are strong with their Siberian character and Nepomnyaschy.

Sibir – Terek

Expert prediction: 1-0. Home ground, fans’ support and Premier League absolute debutants’ desire to win will be crucial factors to help Sibir win.

Sport Express prediction: 0-1. Terek is able to beat debutants.

Rubin – Lokomotiv

Expert prediction: 1-1. Yuriy Semin managed to strengthen Lokomotiv in winter break and they will be able to seal a point from Kazan.

Sport Express prediction: 2-1. Rubin is in good form now, while Loko had been searching for their best lineup for the whole winter.

Alaniya – Saturn

Expert prediction: 1-0. Saturn has never demonstrated brilliant play in the opening games of the season.

Sport Express prediction: 1-1. Saturn class is higher, but they are weakened by injury problems, while Alaniya will fight until the end.

Spartak – Dynamo

Expert prediction: 0-0. Teams don’t want to take the risk, as nobody wants to start the season with a loss, especially in Moscow derby.

Sport Express prediction: 1-1. Attacking duo Alex – Welliton is the main advantage of Spartak. Dynamo newcomers – Epureanu, Cesnauskis, Samedov and Rebko – know how to beat Spartak from their last year’s experience in FC Moskva.

GINER: SADYRIN WAS RIGHT

President of CSKA Evgeniy Giner spoke about the state of affairs in the club prior to the start of the Russian Premier League season-2010.


"Talking about my feelings on the eve of the first match I can say that I am absolutely calm now," said Giner.

"I saw how the team was preparing for the season, watched its matches against Sevilla and Rubin and I confess that I like the current game of CSKA. And if there is good play there will be results."

"And though many people keep saying that the beauty of football is on the scoreboard the actually want it that the necessary score is achieved by really spectacular game."

"It is very difficult to compare seasons and the feelings preceding them: every year is unique. But from year to year I have less anxiety. Probably that comes with experience and trust in the team."

"I remember when we were starting the season with Pavel Sadyrin when CSKA got its first point in the fifth matchday only. I was in a twit and the experienced coach told me to relax and that the things would straighten out in the long run."

"And now I understand that Sadyrin was right: top clubs always amend the situation no matter how difficult it is. An excellent team can roll in the season slowly but then it will get back its own."

"And the teams of the middle level must win as many points as possible in spring when the fields are heavy and physical preparation decided a lot."

"Concerning our selection work I can say that it cannot be sufficient. While picking up new players the management of the club is guided by one simple rule: one must buy players either to fill in the troublesome positions or buy players better than ours."

"But it is impossible to buy players better than we have now: they do not want to move to Russia."

"We have almost reached the ceiling of our selection work. We fail to lure players in our team, instead they go to Real, Manchester, Barcelona."

"And those who are second best after them do not exceed our players. On the contrary, top clubs get interested in our footballers from time to time."

"I disagree that CSKA lacks depth of the squad. We have a first team and a couple of substitutes on every position. After all we have young players whom we should bring in the team."

"If we do not intend to give the youth a chance what for should we keep them in the team? Would Dzagoev, Schennikov, Mamaev be playing now if we have bought them to deepen the lineup."

"And moreover we have many all-rounders in the team able to cover several positions."

"It is senseless to think about possible injuries. In this case we must have thirty-forty equal players. Can you imagine what flow of claims will we face from those sidelined?"

"I think that for Russia, for those 30-40 matches in the season, including European Cups, a first team of 15-16 men is enough. And behind them we have youth – that is the way we organized our team."

SEASON OPENER AS AMKAR VISITS CSKA

After a three-month plus hiatus, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns this weekend in opening series of exciting matches. The weekend commences in the capital as Amkar Perm faces CSKA Moscow at Luzhniki Stadium.


There have been many changes within the league since Rubin Kazan were crowned champions for the second consecutive period, including a number of superb new player additions to the mix as well as well as the sad loss of FC Moscow. Yet for fans of football within Russia, this likely will be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory, as the competition for the top six will be fierce and clubs will be fighting for points at every turn.

CSKA Moscow v Amkar Perm

The Army-Men are coming off a difficult loss to Rubin Kazan in the Russian Super Cup as well as a trying season, however look poised to threaten for the championship. Plagued with tactical problems under then-manager Zico and after equal failings with Juande Ramos in charge, they did not hit full stride until Leonid Slutsky took charge.

Club president Evgeniy Giner fulfilled his promise of stock piling CSKA with the level of talent to take them to European glory with the premier signings of Japan international Keisuke Honda from VVV-Venlo, Seydou Doumbia from Young Boys and reliable young defender Kirill Nababkin from FC Moscow.

Daniel Carvalho and Vágner Love have been loaned out and unlikely to return to Moscow but the Army-Men are laden with attacking talent, led by emerging superstar Miloš Krasić, playmaker Alan Dzagoev, Mark González, Tomáš Necid and Pavel Mamaev as well as their key new additions. CSKA's greatest weakness is within defending and will need Sergey Ignashevich and Vasiliy Berezutsky play at their best if the Army-Men are to wrestle away the hardware from Rubin Kazan.

Amkar Perm will look to rebound from a deplorable season following their fourth place finish in 2008. Returning to Amkar Perm after a difficult stint with Lokomotiv Moscow, Rashid Rakhimov brought stability to the Red-Blacks and eased them away from relegation with a careful crafted tactical plan.

The situation for the Ural side is complicated as do not have the financial resources of the upper tier clubs and will find the going tough to match their 2008 results. They have made some telling signings with young Croatian star Josip Knežević from Osijek and Denys Dedechko from Dynamo Kyiv as well as bringing Nikita Burmistrov in on-loan from CSKA Moscow and see promising Armenian defender Arthur Stepanyan return from loan assignment.

KORNEEV: SEVERAL POSITIONS ARE STILL VACANT

Zenit sporting director Igor Korneev states that St. Petersburg team’s selection work has not finished yet.


"Our selection work hasn’t finished yet", Korneev said. "We acquired several payers, however we still have some vacant positions".

"The Serbian newcomer Danko Lazovic is versatile striker, who can play at all three attacking positions. He possesses very good speed and easily creates and converts scoring opportunities. Moreover we shouldn’t forget that he is first-choice player of the Serbian national team".

"After Kamil Contofalsky’s quit one of goalkeepers’ positions was vacant, while Yuriy Zhevnov has been one of candidates to this position for several recent years".

"Moreover he is very experienced player, as he plays for the Belorus national team. He is ambitious goalkeeper, that will increase competition in the team. So now I am glad that we have two very strong goalies".

SIKIMIC TO JOIN URAL

Amkar Serbian striker Predrag Sikimic will strengthen Ural Ekaterinburg.


The 27-year-old attacker scored six goals in 31 games during three seasons in Amkar. "I will sign the contract with Ural on Wednesday", Sikimic told sport press. "Most likely it will be designed for three years".

"After that I will fly to Turkey, where the team is finishing preparation camp".

"Amkar tried to sell me not for the first time, but I wanted to stay in Russia. Of course I am glad with result of negotiations with Ural president Grigoriy Ivanov".

"I had little practice in Amkar, and I hope to deserve a constant place in Ural starting eleven".

"I want to help Ural return to Premier League, though it will be difficult. In Amkar I played against First Division clubs and they were always tough matches".

LOKOMOTIV CONTINUE TO BUILD WITH ILIC AND MAICON

With the start of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia only a few days off, Lokomotiv Moscow have bolstered their efforts with the arrival of twenty year-old striker Maicon from Fluminense of the Brasileirão and Slovenian international Branko Ilič from FC Moscow.


In addition to the Railwaymen’s other major winter signing, Oleksandr Aliyev from Dinamo Kyiv, Yuriy Semin’s forces are an immediate threat to challenge for the top three and ultimately a berth in the Champions League.

Branko Ilič, who joined FC Moscow from Real Betis in September 2009, will immediately move into the starting eleven as a central defender as Lokomotiv shore up defending flaws with long-term injury losses of Rodolfo and Sergey Efimov.

Maicon rose to prominence starring for the Brazil's U-20 side in the U-20 World Cup this past October. A versatile attacker, equally comfortable on the wing or as a striker he signed a four-year contract for the Railwaymen with a transfer for a fee speculated to be in €4 million range. Joining the striking core of Dmitriy Sychev and Nigerian international Peter Odemwingie could signal a possible late deal for Dramane Traoré, who showed well for Kuban Krasnodar last year.

Lokomotiv open their season on Sunday as they visit two-time defending champions Rubin Kazan.

KARPIN EYES THE COMING SEASON

The head coach of Spartak Valeriy Karpin spoke to sport press ahead of the start of the Russian Premier League season-2010.


The general director of the Red-Whites became its head coach instead of Michael Laudrup less than a year ago. it happened after the loss to Dynamo 0:3 on 15 April. And it is against Dynamo they are starting this season.

"I think I have enough information about Dynamo," said Karpin. "Both defence and wings of the opponents are clear. Though there are some alternatives in the middle-field: Khokhlov, Rebko, Wilkshire, Ropotan. Probably they will play a scheme with two forwards: Voronin and Kokorin."

"But I can imagine that even Kobelev does not for sure the names of the eleven players of the starting lineup."

"At the training camp in Turkey we saw two sparrings of Dynamo. And when now the clubs of the Premier League lose to clubs of lower Divisions that does not imply they are in disorder."

"I do not think they were disguising. Probably players psychologically did not risk realizing that there is no time for rehabilitation in case of an injury."


"I hope that my team is 100% ready for the season. The coming game will show it. One can look splendid at the trainings but at the stadium with 50 thousand supporters success depends more on one’s head than on physical form."

"You must be stronger not always but on a certain day and in certain time. In our case it is 14 March from 7 to 9 p.m. and after 9 it does not matter."

"Dynamo played well against Spartak last year and snatched four points. In the match that ended with a draw the game was equal. But in Luzhniki we were not meant to lose: we were better in our play and had many scoring chances."

"Though I think Dynamo had a different point of view on that match. But we conceded a goal in that match."

"The aspect of a goal is very important. Why did Barcelona lose to Rubin though they shot many times on target and the Kazan team almost nothing? Because one team scored and the others failed."

"Sometimes that depends on the luck or some players who do not do their best. But nobody is going to say that Rubin is stronger than Barcelona in general and even in that match. But the Spanish team lost."

SATURN TARGETS TOP SIX FINISH

The countdown has begun and with the start of the Rosgosstrakh Russian Football Championship less thana week away it is clear that the fight for the top spot has never been greater.


On the surface CSKA and Zenit appear to have to big winners in winter signings and both, along with Spartak and Lokomotiv are likely to give Rubin fits in their efforts to claim their third consecutive championship. Powering into the top six is no easy feat but one club that can certainly surprise and create their share of problems is Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast.

The Ramenskoe-based side were more than a shock last season. After a miserable start under Jürgen Röber, that saw them run off the grounds by Rubin Kazan and Spartak Moscow in consecutive weeks, Andrey Gordeev was handed the managerial reigns on 20 May. Though only retired from his playing career a few years early, the thirty-four year-old manager injected intensity and discipline usually reserved for a long-term leader. Saturn quickly ran up the table and though they were troubled with late injuries, climbed remarkably to a seventh-place finish.

The young manager's brilliance is quite obviously his tactical knowledge and unique connection with his players that allows him to get the most out of veterans. The clever mix of Dmitri Loskov, Andrei Karyaka, Dmitri Kirichenko and Marko Topić gave Saturn the veteran experience to handle the most trying conditions within an attack able to break through the staunchest defences. One year older, the test is whether Saturn's veterans can do it again and threaten the top six of the table. To bolster Saturn's efforts, they have added to their reserve of veterans, Denis Boyarintsev and Slovakian Martin Jakubko. Both showed flashes of brilliance last year and should they continue to play at the level they have in the past, manager Andrey Gordeev could have his side ready for a surprise run towards a European berth.

Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast opens the 2010 campaign as they visit Alania Vladikavkaz on 14 March.

SENNIKOV: WE NEED TO ACHIEVE TEAM-WORK

Lokomotiv main veteran Dmitriy Sennikov is likely to play on the right flank of his team’s defence in the first matches of Premier League campaign.


Last year Rashid Rakhimov decided to send Sennikov to reserves and thought not to take him to the training camps, but player withstood competition with youngsters and filled in the voids in defence during the whole season. At the end of the year the club extended the contract with the 33-year-old veteran.

"I feel that Yuriy Semin trusts me, but it’s difficult to judge now because pre-season preparations and championship are two absolutely different things", said Sennikov. "When the official season is begun, it will be clear who will play. The season is long so I suppose that each of us will have an opportunity to show himself".

"Maybe I am ready for the season, but I have a little feeling of tiredness now. Possibly I will be fresher after the little break, as now we have tough work and many trial games".

"On the other hand when training camps are easy, it’s not always good. Remembering years, when we won the goal, our pre-season preparations were very difficult".

"Comparing to the previous years, Semin’s coaching methods have changed, and it surprised me. This time we not only run, but also had ball exercises. Previously only ten players out of 20 were able to bear workload of the first training camp".

"Lokomotiv acquired only three newcomers this winter – Tarasov, Aliev and Ignatyev – and I suppose it is enough for the gold-medal race. Of course we wanted to strengthen other positions, but didn’t manage to do it".

"To my mind we don’t need to acquire a lot of newcomers, because we have enough good players. The main task is to achieve a team-work".

"Of course we need leaders, such as Aliev, Ukrainian champion, who performed in European competitions. I understand why they wanted to return Izmailov, as he would have made Lokomotiv more confident. With such people in the team, players create atmosphere of champions".

"Speaking about Russian national side, we finished the World Cup qualifying campaign on the second place in the group while we could have been atop of the standings. Any team can set perfectly for the two-round battle and our matches with Slovenia were just lottery".

"When we played with Wales, nobody believed that we would go through, but we won. This time situation favoured the opposite team".

"I suppose that it’s necessary to leave everything as it is in the national team. if the team is in the first basket and is tipped as favourites in the group of Euro-2012, it tells us about its strength".

KRASNOZHAN: I HOPE OUR FANS WILL APPRECIATE OUR WORK

The upcoming season will be the fifth one in career of Spartak Nalchik head coach Yuriy Krasnozhan in Premier League.


Spartak Nalchik new goalkeeper Otto Fredrikson, who played in Bundesleague and Norway, promises to become break-through of the coming season. Former striker of Scottish national team is also said to join Nalchik side, while Krasnozhan managed to acquire leading player of the Serbian junior team.

"Our sporting director Alexandr Zarutsky finds these talented players, as it’s up to him to hold negotiations with them, while I don’t search for players, my jab is to assess their qualities", said Krasnozhan.

"Money question is not the most important, since Fredrikson dreams of becoming his national team’s first-choice goalkeeper by playing in strong Russian championship. Finnish press will keep an eye to his performance".

"The 18-year-old defender Stefan Dejak is coming to Nalchik to play and grow professionally. According to opinion of people, who led him to Spartak, Russian championship and our club is the best place for it".

"If Serbian defender is sold in future, his former club, agents and we will get profit from it. If you want to call it this way, it’s commercial project, which can be of benefit to the player and us".

"We completed our selection process in defence line and I think number of our players will be enough for the first eleven matchdays".

"I am concerned that eleven players from our starting lineup – Radic, Mashukov, Samsonov, Yatchenko, Ferreira and Asildarov – left the team this winter. Last year I asked many times what target would be for us, but as the result many players left the squad without waiting for answers. It’s possible to carry players with ideas, however if you stay on one place, there won’t be anything good in it".

"Our fans are always our twelfth player, I think that people understand us and will always support us. By the way we appreciate it very much and I hope they will appreciate our work too".

KERZHAKOV: THERE WAS NO SENSE IN STAYING IN ZENIT

The 23-year-old goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov will play in Alaniya Vladikavkaz next season.


"I will come to Moscow on Thursday to meet with Alaniya representatives", said Kerzhakov. "We will discuss terms of my contract and then I hope I will make for pre-season preparations with my new team".

"Alaniya was the only club which made concrete offer, though I have variants of continuing my career in the First Division".

"My contract with Zenit will run until the end of 2010, so I will go to Vladikazkaz on a loan".

"There was no sense in staying in Zenit, since the club now has three goalkeepers – Yuriy Zhevnov, Vyacheslav Malafeev and Dmitriy Borodin".

"I took part in all our training camps and I hope to compete with Malafeev and Borodin for a place in the goal, but when Zenit acquired Yuriy Zhevnov, I understood that I need to leave. Moreover Alaniya showed their interested in me before that".

BOZOVIC: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WOULD NOT SAVE MOSKVA

The Montenegrin specialist who head FC Moskva last season, Miodrag Bozovic talked about his todays feeling when his club have been collapsed..


Having hardly stepped over the threshold of the conference room Bozovic mentioned in a slightly humorous manner typical of him:

- I thought that people have already got tired of me, let Bozovic off. Probably I will be able to last for several more years still, and will be interesting to somebody.

- Do you still at least nominally remain head coach of the Citizens or can we say that you have already finished your work?

- My contract has not been cancelled yet, that is to happen in the first week of March. And then we will be able to speak about the end of my career in FC Moskva.

- Are you promised to get the full amount under the contract signed till the end of 2010?

- They told me everything will be done humanly but I do not exclude the possibility that I understand this word differently than they do.

- “They” means managers pf Norilsky Nickel, does not it?

- “They” means “they”.

- Have “they” rebated any of your words in the press?

- No. nobody has said anything.

- Do you have a contract with the management of Norilsky Nickel?

- No. Everything that has anything to do with me is done through the former president of the club Igor Dmitriev. But three days ago I met Isakovich [head of the company Sports Projects supervising all sports directions of Nornickel].

- And what were you talking about?

- About the weather, what else could it be. We discussed how much snow there is this winter.

- What impression has Isakovich made on you?

- I think he was not the one to make decisions. He did what he was told. It is obvious he is not a very important person.

- Do you think Dmitriev experience any guilt for what has happened?

- I do not know. And I do not think he is to blame for anything. On the contrary he did his utmost to safe the club. I think you know that the decision about the future of Moskva was made in such places that we could only hear and obey.

- Do not you think Dmitriev has walked off?

- He is a clever man. Maybe somebody advised him that he should better think about himself, not about the club.

- Can you name the man whose word decided the fate of the club?

- I know the name. But I do not want to say it. And why are you afraid to say the name out loud? And I think that you have a couple of options. You can utter any one and I do not think your guess will be too far.

- Recently Isakovich says one thing and then an opposite one happens. Four days ago he stated that Moskva has a chance to play in the Second Division and Norilsky Nickel can take advantage of this opportunity. But we have a feeling that the matter goes to the team’s liquidation. What feeling do you have?

- I know not more than you do. But I think that the club will be closed. I also assume that Isakovich himself does not know about the future of Moskva, “they” have not told him yet.

- As the possibility of the collapse of the English football club Portsmouth shows that a bankruptcy of a club is real. But is it possible that anywhere except in Russia such a political-economic situation appears, analogous to the one with Moskva?

- No. But in Moskva there was no bankruptcy. The club had no debts. The amount of money we had was enough to participate in the Russian Premier League for half a year. The decision made was completely political. And I do not know why Nornickel was so cruel to us.

- Had Moskva acquired a spot in the European Cups would the company have risked pulling the club out of the tournament?

- Probably not. And that could have saved the club but only for half a year. If we get to the Europa League or even the Champions League we would in any case have been disbanded as soon as we stumbled out of it.

ZENIT ATTACK BUILDS WITH SERBIAN STRIKER DANKO LAZOVIC

True to expectations, Luciano Spalletti's Zenit Saint Petersburg have bolstered their line-up with Serbian international Danko Lazović from PSV. The Serbian international makes his way to Petrovsky Stadium for a fee rumoured to be in range of €5 million, signing a four-year contract.


The addition of the former FK Partizan-man marks the third major signing to new manager Luciano Spalletti's line-up. Along with the return of Alexandr Kerzhakov to Saint Petersburg from Dynamo, Zenit has done well with the addition of Michael Lumb and opportunistically landed Belarusian goalkeeper Yuriy Zhevnov with the collapse of FC Moscow.

Zenit has been adamant of building a squad, not only capable of interrupting Rubin Kazan’s championship run but competing at the highest level in Europe and the acquisition of twenty-six year-old striker falls in line with that objective. Presuming manager Luciano Spalletti utilizes his customary 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing the playing time of Vladimir Bystrov, Igor Denisov, Danny, Szabolcs Huszti and Alessandro Rosina, could be a significant issue and raises the question of whether tactical changes are in the horizon. Either way, Saint Petersburg has just upped the ante with an attack laden line-up

SHESHUKOV RETURNS TO SPARTAK ON A THREE-YEAR DEAL

Alexandr Sheshukov returned to Spartak Moscow after six-year break by signing a three-year contract.


The 26-year-old FC Moskva former man made a comeback to Spartak and inked a contract for three years.

"I think that I won’t have any problems with adaptation, because I have known many players before", said Sheshukov to Sport Express. "The first minutes of the friendly match with Terek were tough, because previously I had slight trainings. I see that my partners look much better than me, so I will have to catch up with their form in those weeks left before the start of the Russian championship".

"Spartak was interested in me in summer 2009, but we didn’t manage to settle everything quickly. This year Moscow club was the only one, which made a concrete offer to me".

"When the sad story of FC Moskva’s problems began, it was difficult to understand that your club could disappear at once. Information was always contradictory, as one said that Moskva would stay and other people said that the club would finish its existence".

"We tried not to think about it during our trainings, but these troubles don’t go without a trace. I am sure that each of us had bad thoughts in our minds".

ARSHAVIN: HIDDINK – MY FATHER

The era of Guus Hiddink in the Russian national team is drawing to the end and there's summing up the results with the captain of the squad Andrey Arshavin.


"When I was flying to Moscow I had no feeling that the match against Hungary is to be the farewell with Hiddink," said the forward of Arsenal.

"But in the Grand Marriott Hotel the entire atmosphere is permeated with this mood: any conversation would always turn to this direction anyway."

"There was nothing special in the meeting of the team with the coach or at least I have not noticed anything – everything was as usual. Though of course everybody understands that Guus is leaving, that he has signed a contract with a different Federation."

"I do not know what all other footballers will think but I see no reasons why I should be against Hiddink’s heading one of the national teams that are to play at the World Cup-2010."

"Guus did his best so that our national team advanced to the Worlds in South Africa but we failed to support him fully. It is clear that he is a good coach and that is why he received many offers."

"People ask him for help. And it is only for him to decide whether to take up these proposals or not. If he agrees he will not in any case impinge upon any personal interests."

"If Guus goes to South Africa it does not mean I will support his new team, most likely I will sympathize with Brazil."

"To cut a long story short these four years of Hiddink in Russia were good years for our national team. There was wonderful atmosphere, our team showed football of good quality in most of the matches."

"Then every football had his best success in the career. Unfortunately in Maribor we spoilt the impression of Hiddink’s work in Russia and thus he would not extend the contract."

"Of course we can use only Conjunctive mood speaking whether it would be able that Guus stayed here after the World Cup but I think that it could be probable."

"When I said before the matches against Slovenia that we could lose a lot I also meant that we could lose some players. Of course there is no all time one squad and changes are necessary but maybe the presence of some players in the national team would be cut after Maribor."

"You know my memories are not divided into moments like Euro-2008 bronze or failure in Maribor. I have one universal positive feeling after the work with Hiddink and I am sure after some time it will only strengthen. I say it now and will say afterwards that my work with Hiddink was a successful episode in the career."

"When the Dutch only heading for Russia I had no apprehensions only interest what it will be like, what the requirements of the new coach will be and what it will lead to."

"What did I see after meeting Guus? Firstly it was absolute calmness and added me self-confidence at once. Then there were interesting playing exercises, ability to organize the work in the way that everybody liked it."

"I never had very close relations to any of the coaches and I never wanted to be a favourite. And I behaved the same way with Guus but now many people emphasize his special affection to me and in England even call him my “father”."

RUSSIA’S FAREWELL TO GUUS HIDDINK IN BUDAPEST

Wednesday evening in Budapest, Guus Hiddink's long farewell as Russia manager takes a giant step forward as his forces face Hungary in a friendly.


Since the disastrous loss to Slovenia in Maribor past November, there have considerable changes within the Russian football front. Shortly after it was announced Mr. Hiddink's contract would not be renewed, newly appointed Russian Football Union president Sergey Fursenko wasted no time, saying, "our top priority is to boost the development of youth football". Heading forward into Euro 2012 it is clear that the RFU is rightfully taking an approach of maximizing sporting returns through the building of strong foundation, to which peak performance will be achieved within a two-to-three quadrennial term.

Long-term vision aside, there remains many unanswered questions going forward, chiefly who precisely will be handed the enormous ask of building the large infrastructure. Rumours run wild of the high profile position with luminaries such Valeriy Gazzaev, Yuriy Semin and Oleg Romantsev mentioned, along with Rubin Kazan mastermind Kurban Berdyev. With the Euro 2012 qualification set to begin in only five months, a decision is expected shortly to ensure a seamless transition to the new administration.

Echoing Roman Pavlyuchenko's comments that Wednesday's match is a "farewell ceremony of Guus", Russia needs to be in top form or the celebration will turn to be an unjust ending to Mr. Hiddink’s extraordinary tenure in-charge. Hungary is a very capable side that saw a late stumble with home and away losses to Portugal cost them a playoff bid for the World Cup. Despite those recent failings Hungary has a number of noteworthy attacking talents, including Zenit Saint Petersburg's Szabolcs Huszti and Tamás Hajnal of Borussia Dortmund and Russia will need to be pay great heed to their opposition to ensure the "farewell ceremony" is the start to the move upwards.

CSKA AND RUBIN BATTLE IN SUPER CUP

With the start of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia less than two weeks off, hopes flourish across the league in what has the makings of one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory.


The hands down winner in the transfer market have been CSKA Moscow who upheld club president Evgeniy Giner's promise to load the Army-Men with talent. Leonid Slutsky's has the benefit of what on paper is one of the most attacking laden units in recent memory adding Keisuke Honda and Seydou Doumbia to the mix to go with Mark González, Tomáš Necid, Alan Dzagoev and Miloš Krasić. Along with solid defending and the stalwart work of ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev, CSKA supporters eagerly look to the new year as a chance to return the championship to their side.

After Rubin Kazan's two consecutive championships, manager Kurban Berdyev has many thinking his Tatarstan side is capable of entering the world of dynasty lore with another title. However, Rubin has been quiet in the transfer market, despite losing sharpshooter Alejandro Domínguez to Valencia, with Fatih Tekke set to join from Zenit Saint Petersburg at the end of August, and could be light on the bench within attacking vision.

Russian football fans will get a sneak peak of the upcoming campaign as CSKA and Rubin clash on 7 March in the Russian Super Cup at Luzhniki Stadium in a repeat of last years encounter that the Army-Men 2-1 via an added time goal by Tomáš Necid.

CSKA, after a superb run in the friendlies, looked disjointed against Sevilla in Champions League play before Mark González saved a draw with a booming strike. Rubin's early start have seen they comfortably advance past Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the Europa League's round of sixteen to face Bundesliga champions VfL Wolfsburg. Early season results aside, CSKA has made a habit of winning the Super Cup, four trophies since the original contest in 2003 but you can expect a heated battle from Rubin who are looking to open their run for hardware in 2010.

PAVLYUCHENKO: WE ARE AT HIDDINK’S FAREWELL

Yesterday the Russian football national team got together for the first time after Maribor to prepare for the friendly against Hungary. The forward of Tottenham Roman Pavlyuchenko who scored five goals in the last three matches arrived in high spirits.


"Everything changes very quickly," said the forward. "When you enter the field and more over when you score the things get sorted out fast."

"The most important thing is that I came to myself and calmed down. When I was talking to you two weeks ago my head was stuffed with gloomy things but now it has cleared up because for a footballer play is the main occupation and I am doing exactly the right thing."

"It is funny that now people expect me to score twice every match but actually I did not even have a second chance in the last game. But I am happy that we won and I contributed to this success."

"Though I had to hurt Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and we were flying to Moscow together after the match. But actually we did not have a lot of time for talking for we flew by night and slept almost all of it."

"It is very remarkable when people rely on you. You perceive everything differently when you train as a first team player."

"I try not to think about my future in the team, at the moment it is senseless and unprofessional. We must finish the season where we have high and real tasks: win the England Cup and get into the top Four in the Premier League in order to get a ticket to the Champions League. I will start thinking about my perspectives only in June."

"My teammates always treated me warmly – always supported and even showed surprise with my absence in the team. And at the moment everybody congratulates me."

"I think my good performance now is due partly to my good form and partly to the emotions of a person entering the field after a long time."

"Having arrived in Moscow I do have a feeling that we are at a farewell ceremony of Guus. I do not know whether we play in May-June or whether Hiddink still stays with the team but the feeling remains."

"It is not for nothing that he gathered his most well-tried fighters. That is why a bit of sadness mixes with the happiness of meeting the teammates. But I am sure that even after Hiddink leaves we will somehow keep in contact with him."

"What we will need to keep after Guus is this friendly team as it is now. We must stay a united fist and than I am sure we will win a lot."

TRAORE: I GOT EXPERIENCE IN KUBAN

Lokomotiv Malian striker Dramane Traore scored six goals in trial games, which is one third of all goals of his team during three pre-season camps.


Last year this striker scored eight goals in the Russian championship on loan to Kuban and set his best result in Russia. In Lokomotiv his record is six goals, which he set in 2006.

"I think that the main reason is time spent on the field", Traore told. "In 2006 I played from time to time and I scored only six goals. I didn’t play a single match in 2008 and in this situation it’s difficult to demonstrate serious results".

"I had constant practice in Kuban and very often I played in attack alone and I needed to invent something and create scoring opportunities. I got valuable experience and became more self-confident".

JORDI: RUBIN IS A CHANCE TO PROGRESS

Jordi the 22-year-old Spanish defender Jordi talked about his first training camp with the Russian champions.


With acquisition of this defender Rubin became the most “Spanish” club in the Russian championship. "Of course I had to make inquiries about Rubin and ask Cesar Navas", said Jordi.

"Now I communicate mostly with Noboa, Ansaldi, Navas, Raul Gonzalez, interpreter Yuriy Solano, but other players let me know that they are glad to see new man in their team".

"I had no doubts that I shouldn’t lose this wonderful chance. I got an offer from a very good club, which play in the Champions League and which won the domestic championship twice".

"Rubin defeated Barcelona at Camp Nou last October and I am sure that it was a turning point in their history. This kind of victories changes everything and after that match people not only in Spain began collecting information about Kazan club".

"I came to Russia not to be afraid of something. My target is to play in the first lineup. Rubin is an opportunity to grow professionally for me and not all players get this chance in their life".

ALANIYA READIES FOR SATURN

Following promotion to the top flight of Russian football, subsequent to the financial fall of, FC Moskva, Alaniya Vladikavkaz has moved quickly to fortify their line-up in preparation to the start of the campaign against Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast on 13 March.


Vladikavkaz manager Vladimir Shevchuk has benefited the Vladikavkaz’s ties with CSKA Sofia with the signing of Bulgarian internationals Ivan Ivanov and Ivan Stoyanov.

Desperately in needing attacking vision to work with Serghei Dadu, Vladikavkaz signed twenty-seven year-old winger Ivan Stoyanov to a three-year contract. Vladimir Shevchuk’s side have additionally added the highly promising Ivan Ivanov. A prized centre-back, who at twenty-two has been capped five times by Bulgaria he committed to a four-year contract and will immediately shore up the backline.

KALACHEV RETURNED TO ROSTOV

Krylya Sovetov Belorus midfielder Timofey Kalachev decided to return to his former club Rostov.


"When I became a free agent, I signed a contract with Rostov immediately", said Kalachev. "I got other offers too, but now there is no sense in discussing them".

"Krylya Sovetov don’t deny their debts to players, but they have no money to pay off their debts".

"Last spring we felt the management’s support and their interest in the team, however their attitude changed at the end of the first half of the season. We began last year with seven victories, and after that something went wrong".

"Change of head coach is painful process, moreover we got used to Leonid Slutsky. However I cannot say that Gazzaev is worse, because I suppose that he has huge desire to work and he can get the team out of crisis".

SLUTSKY: WE WERE CLOSER TO VICTORY

CSKA head coach Leonid Slutsky is optimistic about the overall result of two-round battle against Sevilla.


"Of course we would like to achieve something more than 1:1 draw and we were closer to victory", Slutsky said. "This result is more useful for Sevilla, but we will fight in the return match".

"We have three weeks and we will hold two official games during this time – in the Super Cup and in the championship. Moreover I hope that Alan Dzagoev will be well fit for the match in Spain. I even believe that he will be able to help us against Rubin on March 7".

"The team looked well functionally and there was no replacement for the flank players, who are substituted more than others. And I didn’t see any sense in changing someone from other zones, since there were no problems there".

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