Superpowers do battle in Russia

The four favourites to win the 2007 Russian Premier-Liga go head-to-head this weekend with big matches in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Massive ties
On the artificial pitch at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, FC Lokomotiv Moskva will look to extend their positive run against champions PFC CSKA Moskva, while the age-old rivalry between two great cities will underlie FC Zenit St. Petersburg's meeting with the 'people's club', FC Spartak Moskva.

Contrasting fortunes
Boasting a refitted midfield and forward line, and facing a Spartak side who have hardly thrilled in their opening two games, Zenit seem to be the team more likely. Yet Dick Advocaat's men know better than to talk up their chances despite serious problems in the Spartak camp. With Roman Pavlyuchenko and Nikita Bazhenov injured, Vladimir Fedotov's visitors are finding goals elusive, with just one scored so far. Zenit, by contrast, have four in their account, boasting reserves of striking talent despite the absence of injured Turkey forward Fatih Tekke.

Second meeting
Both sides will want to keep a check on their emotions on Saturday, as they are due to meet again on the banks of the Neva in a Russian Cup quarter-final first leg on 4 April. "It is a pity these Zenit games, which involve such emotion and energy, are so close together," sighed Fedotov. Over in Moscow, CSKA have plenty at stake as they seek their first win against Lokomotiv since 2003. Winger Rolan Gusev should return for hosts CSKA after a long absence, and while a broken rib sidelines defender Aleksei Berezutskiy, his brother Vasili is fit after a knee problem and eager to play.

Titles count
"I don't know what to think about our record against Lokomotiv," said Vasili Berezutskiy. "We have won the last two league titles and that is what counts. We have no obligation to beat Lokomotiv. Winning the league is a different matter." Daniel Carvalho, Chidi Odiah and Caner Erkin remain on the CSKA casualty list, though midfielder Dudu and striker Vágner Love should be firing after playing for Brazil against Ghana. Not that Anatoli Byshovets' new-look Lokomotiv will be intimidated. For them, Dmitri Sennikov and Malkhaz Asatiani are injured, and Marat Izmailov, Vladimir Maminov and Dmitri Sychev doubtful, yet even in their absences, Byshovets is expectant. "Every player will go out to win," he said. "For a match like this, you don't need extra motivation."