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!

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!

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!

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!

LOMIC TO START TRAINING WITH DYNAMO ON FRIDAY

Several hours after Serbia’s Marko Lomic signed a three-year contract with Dynamo, the Moscow club’s newcomer answered sport press questions.


"First of all I would like to thank Dynamo management for a chance to play in this great club", the 26-year-old said. "I will do my best to gain my peak form as soon as possible and justify people’s expectations".

"When I found out about Dynamo’s interest in my candidature, I talked to Milos Krasic and Marko Basa, who told me a lot of good things about this club. Besides the Russian team Lazio also expressed their interest in my services, so my friends’ recommendations played decisive role in my decision".

"I will need to return to Belgrade for a couple of days on Tuesday, because on Friday I will begin training with Dynamo. To my mind I will need two weeks to gain good form, and maybe I will be able to play in a friendly match with Monaco on 28 July".

BOZOVIC: DYNAMO IS NOT ABSOLUTELY NEW TEAM FOR ME

Dynamo head coach Miodrag Bozovic summarized his first preparation camp with his team.


"I cannot say that Dynamo is a new team for me", Bozovic said to sport press. "I worked with five players in my previous clubs and I knew others well too. There is nothing special about this training camp".

"We managed to fulfill the whole program, as we gave equal workload to all players and let youngsters show their best qualities".

"Now I can say that I know all players’ weak and strong sides. I was liked that our experienced players proved that they can take the initiative and fight to help their team".

"Each of our reserve players can establish himself in our football. Defenders Mijskovic and Karakin produced better impression than others, so I will keep an eye to our reserve team".

"Dynamo sealed two draws and lost one game during our preparations, and I don’t want to search for excuses. I take responsibility for our defeat to the Georgian team. I think that it’s necessary to achieve positive results even in trial matches, but anyway we shouldn’t overestimate their importance".

"We conceded seven goals in three matches, and I think that it’s better to concede now rather than in the Russian championship".

"Fyodor Smolov could possible move to Feyenoord. He is high-class player, but with Kuranyi’s move to our team he won’t have too much playing practice".

"I expect that our effectiveness will improve after Kevin joined us, as his link with Voronin is supposed to become successful. I cannot say which playing scheme I will choose, but our current model will be changed for sure".

KOBELEV: NOTHING STRANGE HAS HAPPENED

Andrey Kobelev and Miodrag Bozovic comment on changes in Dynamo coaching staff.


"Nothing surprising has happened", Kobelev said to journalists. "When coach signs the contract, he should be ready that the club can dismiss him at anytime".

"Dynamo won the previous match, while coaches are rarely sacked after winning games. Now there is no sense in talking about it, because the board of directors has made the final decision".

"Rumours about my possible dismissal appeared before the start of the season, and people said that I would be sacked in case there are no points. Yuriy Isaev phoned me when I was at our training base and he told me the news".

"Players and coaches usually don’t celebrate any holidays, so I will have a unique opportunity to have rest now".

"We will solve all problems in accordance to our contract. Dynamo is serious club and I am sure that there won’t be any problems concerning money matters".

"Dynamo representatives called me last week when I was in Montenegro", Miodrag Bozovic commented. "I didn’t hesitate at all and agreed to head Dynamo immediately".

"I was very surprised to get an offer from Dynamo. To be honest when I left Russia, I was eager to come back to this country, however I didn’t expect that I would return so quickly".

"My former colleague from FC Moskva the goalkeepers’ coach Branislav Djukanovic will enter our coaching staff in Dynamo, while my assistant will be Stesevic".

DYNAMO USHERS IN MIODRAG BOZOVIC ERA

In a surprise announcement, Dynamo Moscow declared the dissolution of Andrey Kobelev’s contract with Miodrag Božović handed the managerial reigns, with a contract that runs through the end of 2012.


Andrey Kobelev, who came out of the Dynamo youth development program and whose own player career spanned nearly fifteen years, moved to the coaching ranks in 2006. Under his tutelage, the White-Blues returned to prominence and won a berth on the European stage in 2008.

Last year Dynamo looked strong coming into the final third of the campaign but a series of injuries in combination with young squad led to a series of selection problems and eighth-place finish.

During the winter-months, the White-Blues went heavy on the acquisition trail with six majors signings, including Andriy Voronin from Liverpool, Igor Semshov from Zenit Saint Petersburg as well as Alexandr Samedov , Edgaras Česnauskis, Alexey Rebko and Alexandru Epureanu, all from the Citizens. Despite these additions and displaying quality football in the opening weeks, Dynamo upper management decided on the move after only two wins to show for their efforts.

Miodrag Božović has been one of the hottest managerial commodities since the financial fallout of FC Moscow made him available. The forty-one year old Montenegrin manager led FC Moscow to a sixth place finish last year, after moving over from Amkar Perm, who he guided to a Europa League spot the prior season. Dynamo is unquestionably the most talented unit he has had to under his direction and he will tempted to move from his generally more reserved attack, given the weapons at his disposal.

Dynamo returns to play on Saturday as they visit Spartak Nalchik.

Prepared by John Davies

LOKOMOTIV VS. DYNAMO PREMIER MATCH ON SUNDAY

The Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns on Sunday with four exciting matches, including a Moscow Derby as Dynamo visits Lokomotiv and Spartak's visit of a much-improved Tom Tomsk.


Tom Tomsk - Spartak Moscow

The action gets started on Sunday as Tom Tomsk welcomes Spartak Moscow to Siberia.

Building upon their hard fought victory over Lokomotiv, Spartak manager Valeriy Karpin demonstrated not only a level of coaching maturity but also the ability to vary tactics. After establishing an early lead against Yuriy Semin's Railywaymen, Spartak locked down the affair with a stubborn defending resolve. Interestingly enough, the young tactician may be forced into similar choices as Tomsk has considerable attacking weapons.

Valeriy Nepomnyaschy's Tomsk line-up is not short of quality and the return of Belarusian international Sergey Kornilenko offers them the finishing they desperately needed. Along with former Torpedo Moscow-man Đorđe Jokić as well as Denis Kiselyov and Kyrylo Kovalchuk on the flanks, Tomsk is a very capable of upsetting the best. Though he is excluded from the match, Alexandr Prudnikov arrival on-loan from Spartak, will fit in well and the help push the club forward. Last week, without Sergey Kornilenko due to injury, after giving up two quick own-goals to Krylya Sovetov, they charged back to a 3-2 victory. Tomsk should have their sharpshooter Sergey Kornilenko available as well as welcoming Georgiy Dzhioev and Valeriy Klimov back from suspension, although they will be without the services of Kim Nam-Il, who was red-carded late against the Samaran's.

For Spartak, this match represents an interesting series of tactical choices. New additions Marek Suchý and Ari have shone brightly but as they press against sides outside of the top six, they must show the focus and discipline to finish without failure. Ultimately, this match and the like will prove to be the ultimate decider if they are to stand on the victor’s podium at years end.

Terek Grozny - Krylya Sovetov

In a tale of two sides at opposite ends of the spectrum, troubled Krylya Sovetov travels to the Chechen region to face Terek Grozny on Sunday afternoon.

The Samaran's severe financial problems have constricted their efforts to attract talent and three weeks into new campaign, it is painfully evident on the pitch. Manager Yuriy Gazzaev deserves of the highest accolades given the situation but after three consecutive losses, in which they only have two own-goals by the opposition to note, the Samaran's are in deep trouble. Oddly, the line-up does that some very fine talent but it will take strong leadership, likely coming from the likes of veteran Ruslan Adzhindzhal, to demonstrate greater confidence.

On the opposite side of the equation is Terek Grozny. Undefeated after three weeks, the Chechen side played defending champion Rubin Kazan to a draw and in-fact, came close to earning the win. The flourishing attack of Blagoy Georgiev, Hector Bracamonte and Shamil Asildarov is in the early stages of learning each other’s traits but in time will become a potent offence. Their voracious supporters will be out in full force as Grozny looks to unleash its full potential against troubled Krylya Sovetov.

Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast – Rubin Kazan

After faltering against Terek Grozny, defending champions Rubin Kazan look to the find their winning ways as they travel to face Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast in Ramenskoe on Sunday afternoon.

Andrey Gordeev’s side have had a very difficult start to the new campaign with the attack sputtering with the absences of Dmitriy Loskov and Marko Topić. Though last week at Rostov, Dmitriy Loskov returned late, Saturn's attack has been inconsistent and well-below their pedigree. Against Rubin Kazan, they face a daunting task as the defending champions have yet to surrender a goal this year.

Despite being undefeated, Rubin Kazan is decidedly under-performing from the high standards they set in the previous two years. Fortunate to defeat nine-man Tom Tomsk the previous Monday, Terek Grozny held them to a scoreless draw. Along with the loss of Alejandro Domínguez to Valencia, Rubin has been plagued with injuries that includes the extended absence of Sergey Semak as well as Vitaliy Kaleshin, Roman Sharonov, Rafał Murawski and will be without Gökdeniz Karadeniz for at least two weeks. On the positive side, Fatih Tekke has fit in quickly and Rubin is ready for a break out. The question is now whether Saturn can rise to the occasion or see their slow start continue.

Lokomotiv Moscow – Dynamo Moscow

In the final match of week four of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, Lokomotiv welcomes Dynamo in a Moscow Derby as both sides are coming off hard fought losses.

Lokomotiv has maintained its unbeaten run at home since the return of Yuriy Semin last May but will face a tough challenge to keep that record intact against Dynamo. Last week against Spartak, after falling behind by two goals early they diligently worked their way back and came with a fraction of levelling as Oleksandr Aliyev’s free kick rasped off the cross bar as time ran out. However, the absence of Wágner is weighing heavy on the Railwaymen attack and strikers Peter Odemwingie and Dramane Traoré have had problems finishing.

Scheduling has pushed Dynamo to the limit, with an opening run that includes two Moscow Derby's and last week battle against Zenit Saint Petersburg. However, in each test Andrey Kobelev’s line-up that features new additions Igor Semshov, Aleksandr Samedov and Andriy Voronin has impressed with teen Alexandr Kokorin a constant threat with flanking assaults.

This edition of the Moscow Derby is the perfect conclusion to the weekend and has all the makings of the one of the top matches of the young season and a tactical gem.

Prepared by John Davies

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

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."

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.