CSKA look to league success

PFC CSKA Moskva will be in a positive frame of mind when they take on Olympique de Marseille in UEFA Cup Group F having pulled level with FC Lokomotiv Moskva at the top of the Russian Premier-Liga.

Zhirkov return
CSKA joined their city rivals on 50 points with a 2-1 victory against FC Rubin Kazan, a game which marked the return of winger Yuri Zhirkov as a late substitute following a hip injury. Chidi Odiah and Sergei Ignashevich struck the decisive goals for CSKA and with four league games remaining coach Valeriy Gazzayev is hoping his side can maintain their momentum on both fronts.

Gazzayev hopeful
"We're very tired," he said. "The season is almost over and we've been playing non-stop since February. But now we see the light at the end of the tunnel and we're determined to give our best in the remaining matches." Ignashevich is expected to shake off a slight knock to take his place in the starting lineup, though Vágner Love, who remained on the bench at the weekend, is still short of fitness following a hip problem.

Past experiences
Marseille marked Fabien Barthez's return to action following a six-month ban for spitting at a referee with their first win in nine games against Paris Saint-Germain FC on Sunday. Lorik Cana headed in the winning goal against his former side, and he will know exactly what to expect in Moscow after losing out to CSKA in the competition last season with PSG.

Déhu absent
"They are a very dangerous, counterattacking team," he said. "It's better for us to play them in Moscow than in Marseille as it will give us more chances to get a better outcome." Centre-back Frédéric Déhu failed to make the squad as he continues to recover from an achilles tendon injury.