Russia anticipates Moscow classic

Title hopes
As they prepare for their latest meeting on Saturday, the two sides are in with a chance of winning the title. Second-placed CSKA trail leaders Lokomotiv by five points, with Spartak a further point adrift in fourth, and both will be eager to claim one of the two available UEFA Champions League slots.

Special fixture
However, as CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev acknowledged, neither team will need any extra motivation for the game. "Even at youth level, our clubs have fought many grand battles," he said. "For a few years we couldn't beat them, then they couldn't beat us. I think CSKA-Spartak is the biggest derby in Russia."

Fierce rivalry
"I know how important a victory against the 'Army Men' is for our supporters," added Akinfeev's opposite number, Spartak's Polish keeper Wojciech Kowalewski. "I've never played in a win against CSKA, and I really want to taste success against my club's biggest rivals."

Previous meetings
Statistics favour Spartak. During the Soviet era, Spartak had 51 derby victories to CSKA's 41, while in 27 encounters since independence, Spartak have won 12, drawn seven and lost eight. However, the last of Spartak's triumphs came on 31 March 2001, with CSKA unbeaten in the last nine matches.

Lean period
However, that record may be under threat after something of a lean spell for CSKA in recent months. With main strikers Ivica Olić and Vágner Love injured, the UEFA Cup holders have been functional rather than fabulous, picking up points but not plaudits.

No forwards
In their latest outing at FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, Valeri Gazzaev fielded a side with no recognised forwards, and to add to their woes against Spartak, they will be without the injured Yuri Zhirkov and suspended Rolan Gusev. However, the coach remained confident, saying: "Even with these problems we should be able to win."

Commitment counts
Czech international Martin Jíranek is Spartak's only absentee, giving coach Aleksandrs Starkovs a great chance to continue their run of five straight wins. Nevertheless, the ex-Latvia coach was cautious about his team's prospects, saying: "CSKA are a serious team who know how to get results. I wouldn't talk about their attacking problems. Top-class sides can compensate for the loss of any player, and CSKA are just such a team. The most important factor in tomorrow's match will be determination."

Stadium choice
The game will be held at the 36,000-capacity Dinamo stadium, which CSKA currently call home, after the club refused to switch the fixture to Spartak's 82,000 Luzhniki stadium. The last match between the two sides at the Luzhniki attracted 65,000 fans and a sell-out crowd is expected with both sides aware that defeat could mark the end of their championship hopes for 2005.