Spartak out to break CSKA jinx

Vladimir Fedotov's FC Spartak Moskva will look to end a six-year wait for a win against champions PFC CSKA Moskva when Russia's top two meet on Saturday.

On top
Still to lose after eight Premier-Liga games this season, Spartak's unbeaten league run stretches to 21 matches. Boasting the division's best defensive record - just four goals conceded - alongside FC Krylya Sovetov Samara, the leaders have certainly impressed yet it could be that CSKA again prove their nemesis.

Top scorers
CSKA have yet to drop a point at home in 2007, though their away form has been nothing to shout about. Valeriy Gazzaev's men are, however, the top scorers to date, with Vágner Love and Jô contributing half of their 14 goals. And with Spartak not having defeated CSKA since a 1-0 win in March 2001, the Brazilian duo may fancy their chances. In eleven encounters since that victory, Spartak have drawn four and lost seven. Maxym Kalynychenko - one of few survivors of that far-off success - knows a lot of water has passed under the bridge since. He said: "I remember 2001 - a terrible pitch at the Luzhniki and a huge crowd. But that win is long gone."

Glamour tie
Grim determination may characterise Kalynychenko's approach, but CSKA president Evgeni Giner notes the derby's enduring appeal. "Some games are a matter of principle, even if all wins are worth the same three points. I won't deny that matches against Spartak are special. We always want to beat them, while all teams feel the same when they play us." While CSKA miss goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, Dudu, Sergei Ignashevich and Ramón through injury, and have Vasili Berezutskiy suspended, Spartak have a different kind of selection problem. The return of Roman Pavlyuchenko and Martin Stranzl from injury leaves Fedotov with at least two available players for every position, though he is unlikely to ignore Denis Boyarintsev.

Key performer
His last-minute winner against FC Rubin Kazan on 6 May was the latest in a line of decisive late interventions from Boyarintsev. A starting place has never been a given for the 29-year-old in recent seasons, but should he provide the magic touch that ends Spartak's CSKA jinx, he will be assured a hero's reception in the Spartak dressing room at the Luzhniki Stadium on Saturday night.