Spartak and CSKA prepare for derby

The Russian capital is anxiously awaiting the clash between two of its biggest clubs, FC Spartak Moscow and CSKA Moscow on Sunday.

Coaches face off
The game itself sees the renewal of a unique rivalry between two top Russian coaches with Russia and Spartak coach Oleg Romantsev facing off against Russia Under-21 and CSKA coach Valeri Gazzaev. Notably, Gazzaev is the only coach to ever deny Romantsev a Premier-Liga title - his FC Alania Vladikavkaz side's success in 1995 leaving Spartak with the runners-up spot for the only time in Russian history.

Beschastnykh praises CSKA
CSKA are currently second in the Premier-Liga, three points behind leaders FC Lokomotiv Moscow. While Spartak are third, five points adrift Vladimir Beschastnykh, who will power Spartak's attack on Sunday, is desperately trying to get back in form after a run of out-of-sorts performances. The forward, who was a key player for Russia last year, said he will be only happy with a victory in the derby. However, he is full of praise for CSKA ahead of what he calls "a key game". "CSKA have become one of the best teams in Russia, they have got significantly better since last season," he said.

Kovtun out
Key Spartak defender Yuri Kovtun will miss the match after sustaining an injury in his last league match against FC Torpedo Moscow. This should allow Brazilian defender Moses to win a starting place, with Dmytro Parfionov, Ibra Kebe and Dmitri Ananko looking sure to start alongside him in defence. Current Russian top-scorer, 18-year-old Dmitri Sychev, who has scored six goals in seven games for Spartak already this season, has overcome a minor injury and is expected to be fit.

CSKA ready
The CSKA camp are determined to prove that their fine start to the season is not down to chance. All their key players are fit, with Rolan Gusev, Sergei Semak and Dmitri Popov all looking to impress national team coach Romatsev in the hope of booking a ticket to Korea/Japan for the FIFA World Cup.