NALCHIK LOOKS TO REGAIN WINNING STRIDE AGAINST GROZNY

With the extended break for the World Cup nearing an end, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia kicks back into gear with Terek Grozny visiting the Caucasus' to face Spartak Nalchik.

The start of the campaign saw Nalchik storm forward unbeaten in their opening eight matches before Yuri Krasnozhan's side stumbled in the final three confidence. Up until week eight, Nalchik played with confidence and discipline but against Zenit Saint Petersburg, they came undone and gave up three goals in the final half-hour.

The collapse against seemed to trigger a change of fortune for Nalchik as they were unconvincing against Lokomotiv and Tom Tomsk in subsequent contests and lacked confidence. Sitting fourth in the table, Yuri Krasnozhan must reinvigorate his side to show the same tireless defending that gutted out results and unlock the attacking front, led by Vladimir Dyadyun, which lost their touch late.

The Chechnya based side, though tenth in the table are in a state of transition and quickly amassing quality players. Anatoly Baidachny's side, led going forward with play maker Blagoy Georgiev and striking tandem Shamil Asildarov and Héctor Bracamonte have yet to hit full stride but very capable of a run towards a spot in Europe.

Maurício, who joined from Brazil's Fluminense this past winter and Bolivian international Juan Carlos Arce provide plenty of pace and inspiration as Grozny looks to hone its attack that, at least in theory, is a consistent threat. Grozny is hampered against Nalchik, as they are without the services of key man Blagoy Georgiev to injury as well Sergey Omelyanchuk to suspension and facing a side that has yet to lose at home this year.


Prepared by John Davies

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

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

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 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

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.