Match Previews

Zico has taken charge in Moscow... No injury problems reported... Starting defenders Semberas (r)(def) and Grigoriev (r)(def) are both banned... New signing Necid (sp)(att) is not available... Daniel Carvalho (sp)(mid) is... CSKA Moscow romped through the Group stages of the UEFA Cup, winning all four of their qualifying matches, including a dramatic late success against AS Nancy in France, which knocked the Frenchmen out of the competition with a thrilling 4-3 success. Since then, they have barely played, with only a handful of friendlies to keep the side occupied through the long winter months. While nothing much has happened on the field, away from the playing surface there have been some subtle changes. For example, Brazilian Zico has taken over at the helm of the squad and will be looking to make a big impression in his first competitive match in charge of the Russians. Great alterations to the playing staff have not been made throughout the winter, with Czech youngster Tomas Necid coming into contention, although he is not eligible to play in the UEFA Cup. Ouwo Moussa Maazou has also been acquired, however, he has been immediately loan back to Lokeren, the side he was signed from. As a result, Zico will boast a squad very similar to that which qualified for this stage of the competition. The Army Men will expect to have a full squad to select from for what is essentially a season-open for them. Russian international goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev will start between the sticks while the Berezutski twins will possibly forming an imposing barrier in front of his goal. Shchennikov has been tipped to achieve great things in the game and but he, along with Semberas, are suspended. Another man to catch the eye in recent times is Alan Dzagoev, an 18 year-old offensive midfield who managed to score double-figures last season. Zico has already spoken highly of the young talent and may well be willing to place faith in him for this match. Daniel Carvalho, who is back at CSKA after a loan spell in Brazil, will likely be the man relegated to the bench. A fellow Brazilian, Vagner Love, is the competition’s top scorer at present and will again lead the line, probably on his own, with Krasic and Erkin supporting from deeper roles. No official squad named.