CSKA Moscow v Slaven Koprivnica in UEFA Cup

By: j | September 17th, 2008

CSKA Moscow travels to the northern Croatian city of Koprivnica to face Slaven Koprivnica in UEFA cup action later today.

Slaven manager Mile Petković knows he is facing a massive test against the legendary Russian club but his squad with present a proud, formidable defense. The advanced in qualifying after beating Aris Thessaloniki of the Greek Super League 2-1 in aggregate. While captain Dalibor Poldrugač noted “Their team are worth nearly as much as our entire league,” I don’t question for a second they relish the opportunity to play the underdog-spoiler role. I’ve seen them play a number of times, including against Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb and I am expecting a passionate, inspired performance.

Koni is coming off a high of last weekends 4-1 devastation of Luch-Energiya Vladivostok which saw Alan Dzagoev continue to establish himself as a one of Russia’s emerging young strikers. At only eighteen years of age, Alan has stepped-up the challenge and one of the most talked about young players in Russian Football. Yuri Zhirkov is playing beautiful Football right now and behind-the-scenes CSKA is looking to targeting at repeating Zenit Saint Petersburg’s UEFA Cup victory last year and maintain the championship within Russia. The backline that consists three Russian internationals of Sergei Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky and Vasili Berezutsky is possibly one of the most impressive in UEFA Cup and will put a wall in-front of ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev

I expect CSKA Moscow manager Valery Gazzaev to utilize the following starting lineup:
Igor Akinfeev,Deividas Semberas, Sergei Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Chidi Odiah, Vasili Berezutsky, Pavel Mamaev,Miloš Krasić,Yuri Zhirkov, Alan Dzagoev, Vágner Love

Don’t miss out on the exciting match. I will report on it as it concludes.