ZENIT VS DYNAMO CLASH HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAY

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepared by John Davies


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

ZENIT WELCOME UNIREA TO PETROVSKY

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


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

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

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

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


Prepared by John Davies

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

LATE ZYRYANOV GOAL SENS ZENIT PAST ANZHI

A late, albeit fortunate, goal by Konstantin Zyryanov pushed Zenit Saint Petersburg past Anzhi Makhachkala 2-1 at Petrovsky Stadium. With the result, Luciano Spalletti's side take a commanding four-point lead over CSKA Moscow at the top of the table, whilst Anzhi sets at the twelfth spot as the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia heads towards week twelve.


In the warm summer afternoon, Zenit pushed forward without notables Danko Lazović, Radek Šírl and Danny available against Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s well-prepared side. After a quiet start to the contest, Zenit Saint Petersburg went in front 1-0 at the quarter-hour as Vladimir Bystrov accepted the ball from Konstantin Zyryanov on the right side of the area and quickly drove the ball past Anzhi 'keeper Nukri Revishvili.

After the goal, Luciano Spalletti's side found the going tough against the determined visitors with the only chance before the break when Alessandro Rosina's corner from the right forced the Anzhi 'keeper into a close-range stop after the ball rattled off the near post.

After the break, the box-to-box play continued as Zenit showed little ability to penetrate Anzhi’s staunch defending. After a modest effort at the fifty-fifth minute when Alexandr Kerzhakov's free kick called the Anzhi 'keeper into action, the momentum shifted in the visitor’s favour. With Zenit clinging to a one-goal advantage and unable to put the match away, Anzhi made them pay with the leveller five minutes past the hour.

After a short corner was pulled back to the flank, Rasim Tagirbekov fought off his marker Nicolas Lombaerts, to head in a left wing cross. Realizing the important victory was slipping away, Luciano Spalletti summoned Viktor Fayzulin at the seventy-forth minute with the highly promising eighteen-year old striker Maxim Kanunnikov to follow five minutes later. Despite their efforts, Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s side were holding Zenit at bay and looked to be in route to a draw until disaster struck with three minutes remaining in regulation time.

Coming via a simple cross into the box, Anzhi 'keeper Nukri Revishvili completely misplayed the ball off the bounce, spilling it out from the line to which veteran Konstantin Zyryanov dutifully sent the gift into the net. In a complete loss of composure, Anzhi's David Tsorayev received his second yellow for dissent, ruling him out of key attacker for their match against Lokomotiv Moscow on Saturday.

For the balance of time, Zenit Saint Petersburg killed off any advances and laid claim to the full three points, albeit somewhat fortuitously, with the 2-1 victory.

ZENIT LOOK TO KEEP UNBEATEN RUN ALIVE AGAINST ANZHI

After a long hiatus, the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia returns to play on Sunday as league leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg make the trip to the North Caucasus region to face Anzhi Makhachkala.


In the make-up match of week eleven, Luciano Spalletti's Saint Petersburg side hold a narrow one-point lead over CSKA and are without a loss this year. Following the Russian Cup victory, Zenit look on a confident course towards the double and showing few notable weaknesses. Though it is easy to poke holes in the less than notable attacking output, with only thirteen goals in ten contests, the well-disciplined play has Zenit poised for European competition.

Clearly, the Italian tactician has prioritized the defending aspect first and as they begin to gel on the attacking front, they will be a formidable unit not simply domestically but have a chance to push deep into the Champions League.

Unsatisfied with the production of Alexandr Kerzhakov, Zenit is said to have agreed to terms to see Alexndr Bukharov arrive from Rubin Kazan in August, seemingly making the former expendable. Though the club has yet to have any formal signings, they are extremely busy in the transfer market and announcements seem imminent.

While the horizon for Zenit is highly optimistic, on Sunday they face a unique test in Makhachkala. Unsure of the availability of Danny, returning from Portugal's disappointing World Cup performance, Zenit should expect a compact defending front from Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s side. Displaying a tough defending front, they held Dynamo to a 1-1 draw in the final match before the break and have recently demonstrated an ability to gut out results.

Knowing they are in the thick of a relegation battle, the veteran leader will not be shy of locking down the contest and forcing Zenit to push forward, thus opening up the counter. Though Zenit is not short on attacking quality, that includes the emergence of Russian U21 striker Maxim Kanunnikov and should come out with the full three points, they will need to be aggressive going forward.

ZENIT WANTS TO PART WITH PUYGRENIER

Zenit Saint Petersburg is ready to sell French defender Sebastian Puygrenier.


Contract of the French player with Saint Petersburg club will expire in 2012. last season Puygrenier played in Monaco on a loan and returned to Saint Petersburg to take part in preparation camp in Austria. According to sport press information Monaco would like to loan the defender again, but Zenit has different point of view on the situation.

"Puygrenier is good player, however we decided to put his name on a transfer list", Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov explained to sport press. "We want to sell him".

ZENIT TO BUY RETO ZIEGLER

Leaders of the Russian championship Zenit is close to signing Swiss defender Reto Ziegler.


The Saint Petersburg club is interested in acquiring the 24-year-old defender Reto Ziegler, who made three appearances in World Cup group stage for Switzerland.

According to sport press information Zenit will pay € 4 million for transfer of Sampdoria man.

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

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

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".

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