The opening day showdown Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia saw between Rubin Kazan and Lokomotiv Moskva saw the defending champions defeat the capital city side 2-0 victory in a tepid affair. Along with the frozen pitch of Central Stadium and lack of full match preparedness, both sides fell short of expectations.
Rubin Kazan manager Kurban Berdyev, after a busy week that included a draw with Wolfsburg in the Europa League and the Russian Super Cup, adjusted in line-up with new-man Jordi, along with Vagiz Galiullin seeing a rare appearance. Notable play early on was rare, with a number of collisions taking its toll. Midway the half Vagiz Galiullin was forced out and Fatih Tekke was called upon. Lokomotiv striker Dramane Traore, was gifted two high probability opportunities but squandered both.
After the break, the match still lacked a cutting edge, until the final stages when Lokomotiv lost focus and allowed two late goals. With two minutes in regulation remaining, Andrei Gorbanets who had entered late for Alan Kasaev, gave Rubin the 1-0 lead as he sent a brilliant shot, with the outside of the his right foot, to the near post. As regulation time wound down Fatih Tekke surged down the right channel and sent a low cross that Aleksandr Bukharov turned in from close range to seal the 2-0 victory for Rubin Kazan.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Terek Grozny defeats Sibir Novosibirsk
Chechnya-based Terek Grozny spoiled Sibir Novosibirsk's debut in the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia with 2-0 defeat at Spartak Stadium.
In a hard-fought match, Grozny took the lead at the fortieth minute as Andrei Kobenko, controlled Hector Bracamonte’s volley on the left side of the box before deftly sending the ball beyond the outstretched hands of Sibir goalkeeper Wojciech Kowalewski to the far corner of net.
Grozny doubled the lead four minutes shy of the hour when Shamil Asildarov continued his goal-scoring spree at Spartak Nalchik last year as he nodded in a volley from ten metres out. Sibir showed no quit and looked to cut the margin in half but Aleksei Medvedev’s goal was marked off with a dubious, late offside call. The Siberian's saw Denis Bukhryakov harshly shown his second yellow card at the eighty-seventh minute but regardless of the questionable call, the day belonged to Terek Grozny who left Siberia with a 2-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
In a hard-fought match, Grozny took the lead at the fortieth minute as Andrei Kobenko, controlled Hector Bracamonte’s volley on the left side of the box before deftly sending the ball beyond the outstretched hands of Sibir goalkeeper Wojciech Kowalewski to the far corner of net.
Grozny doubled the lead four minutes shy of the hour when Shamil Asildarov continued his goal-scoring spree at Spartak Nalchik last year as he nodded in a volley from ten metres out. Sibir showed no quit and looked to cut the margin in half but Aleksei Medvedev’s goal was marked off with a dubious, late offside call. The Siberian's saw Denis Bukhryakov harshly shown his second yellow card at the eighty-seventh minute but regardless of the questionable call, the day belonged to Terek Grozny who left Siberia with a 2-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Sergei Kornilenko shines for Tom Tomsk
Unwanted in Zenit Saint-Petersburg, Sergei Kornilenko lead Tom Tomsk past Rostov 2-0 in the opening Saturday of the 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia campaign.
The Belarusian international striker who possess bales of talent, returned to the Siberian side only a few days ago after rarely getting an opportunity in Saint Petersburg. However, he quickly made up for lost time and rewarded Tomsk manager Valeri Nepomniachi, as well as serve notice to the football world of his talents, with two goals.
After a scoreless opening half, Tomsk manager ushered in twenty-one year-old Andrei Ivanov in for Aleksandr Kharitonov and only a few minutes later he set-up the go-ahead goal. From the left flank the youngster, on-loan from Spartak Moskva, set a low cross beyond defender Sorin Ghionea that Sergei Kornilenko showed his finishing skills making now mistake from six metres to give Tomsk the 1-0 lead. With two minutes remaining, the striker added his second, taking the ball off defender Dušan Anđelković, before surging forward and driving it to the near corner of the net past ‘keeper Dejan Radić to seal the 2-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
The Belarusian international striker who possess bales of talent, returned to the Siberian side only a few days ago after rarely getting an opportunity in Saint Petersburg. However, he quickly made up for lost time and rewarded Tomsk manager Valeri Nepomniachi, as well as serve notice to the football world of his talents, with two goals.
After a scoreless opening half, Tomsk manager ushered in twenty-one year-old Andrei Ivanov in for Aleksandr Kharitonov and only a few minutes later he set-up the go-ahead goal. From the left flank the youngster, on-loan from Spartak Moskva, set a low cross beyond defender Sorin Ghionea that Sergei Kornilenko showed his finishing skills making now mistake from six metres to give Tomsk the 1-0 lead. With two minutes remaining, the striker added his second, taking the ball off defender Dušan Anđelković, before surging forward and driving it to the near corner of the net past ‘keeper Dejan Radić to seal the 2-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Anzhi Makhachkala impressive in draw to Spartak Nalchik
The 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia campaign for recently promoted Anzhi Makhachkala, got underway with an impressive nil draw against Spartak Nalchik nil draw before their hearty home supporters.
Despite the score-line, much of the match was a wide open affair with both sides not afraid to launch forward. Anzhi consistently displayed an impressive work rate and well disciplined defending in the final third. Nalchik's quality efforts before the break saw David Siradze and Kazbek Geteriev denied by Anzhi ‘keeper Ilya Abayev.
After the restart Anzhi manager Omari Tetradze called upon former Sparta Praha-man Jan Holenda and the host began to shown greater attacking vision. As in the opening half, both sides worked diligently to find the winner but it was not to be and match ended as a nil draw.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Despite the score-line, much of the match was a wide open affair with both sides not afraid to launch forward. Anzhi consistently displayed an impressive work rate and well disciplined defending in the final third. Nalchik's quality efforts before the break saw David Siradze and Kazbek Geteriev denied by Anzhi ‘keeper Ilya Abayev.
After the restart Anzhi manager Omari Tetradze called upon former Sparta Praha-man Jan Holenda and the host began to shown greater attacking vision. As in the opening half, both sides worked diligently to find the winner but it was not to be and match ended as a nil draw.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Zenit Saint Petersburg modestly get past Krylia Sovetov
The managerial debut for Luciano Spalletti at Zenit Saint Petersburg saw his side modestly defeat Krylia Sovetov 1-0 at Metallurg Stadion in the opening week of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia.
The former Roma manger utilized, as expected, a 4-2-3-1 formation with Konstantin Zyryanov and Vladimir Bystrov book-ending Danny on the wings, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov as the lone striker. Igor Denisov and Roman Shirokov were in defensive holding positions, with new addition Michael Lumb, Nicolas Lombaerts, Ivica Križanac and Tomáš Hubočan joining the back four in front of 'keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev. Despite the expectations that saw Zenit a heavy favourite, Samaran manager Yuri Gazzaev deployed a brilliant tactical plan that limited the visitors attacking efforts to a mere trickle.
Chances were rare in the opening half with the Samarans showing more initiative after the break. Four minutes prior to the hour Luciano Spalletti called upon for PSV striker Danko Lazović for Konstantin Zyryanov but Zenit were unable to unlock Krylia's compact defence. However, at the sixty-seventh minute Zenit lodged the winner when Danny was played through on a quick counter. Surging down the centre of the pitch, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov on his left, the Portuguese international moved into the right side of the box before driving the ball into the net past Krylia ‘keeper David Yurchenko from fifteen metres. Up by one, Zenit was comfortable protecting the lead as the Samaran's were showing little ability to generate the needed touch for the equalizer. Yuri Gazzaev, called upon Aleksandr Khramov for his debut at the eighty-eighth minute but after four minutes of added-time the whistle sounded and Zenit Saint-Petersburg claimed a modest the 1-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
The former Roma manger utilized, as expected, a 4-2-3-1 formation with Konstantin Zyryanov and Vladimir Bystrov book-ending Danny on the wings, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov as the lone striker. Igor Denisov and Roman Shirokov were in defensive holding positions, with new addition Michael Lumb, Nicolas Lombaerts, Ivica Križanac and Tomáš Hubočan joining the back four in front of 'keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev. Despite the expectations that saw Zenit a heavy favourite, Samaran manager Yuri Gazzaev deployed a brilliant tactical plan that limited the visitors attacking efforts to a mere trickle.
Chances were rare in the opening half with the Samarans showing more initiative after the break. Four minutes prior to the hour Luciano Spalletti called upon for PSV striker Danko Lazović for Konstantin Zyryanov but Zenit were unable to unlock Krylia's compact defence. However, at the sixty-seventh minute Zenit lodged the winner when Danny was played through on a quick counter. Surging down the centre of the pitch, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov on his left, the Portuguese international moved into the right side of the box before driving the ball into the net past Krylia ‘keeper David Yurchenko from fifteen metres. Up by one, Zenit was comfortable protecting the lead as the Samaran's were showing little ability to generate the needed touch for the equalizer. Yuri Gazzaev, called upon Aleksandr Khramov for his debut at the eighty-eighth minute but after four minutes of added-time the whistle sounded and Zenit Saint-Petersburg claimed a modest the 1-0 victory.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Friday, March 12, 2010
CSKA Moskva disappointing in victory over Amkar Perm
Rebounding from last years highly disappointing results, CSKA Moskva President Evgeniy Giner ensured the Army-Men were well equipped for the coming campaign as they made a number of notable additions during the winter transfer season. Though few can deny the attacking firepower of CSKA, in the opening match of the 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia campaign, the Army-Men fell short of expectations and were fortunate to capture a 1-0 victory over Amkar Perm at the Arena Khimki.
Amkar Perm manager Rashid Rakhimov, deployed his side with a five man midfield, maintaining a tight, compact defence and did extremely well at squashing CSKA advances. The Army-Men, who had a fully fit Alan Dzagoev back at the wheel of the attack controlled long stretches of the match but were unable to break into the final third and offer up dangerous chances. In the fourth minute of play, CSKA won a free kick but new man Keisuke Honda thundered his effort into the wall and for the next quarter hour, Amkar soaked up pressure with ease. At the nineteenth minute CSKA began to show some inspiration on the left flank as Miloš Krasić tried to play Alan Dzagoev through, though his pass was too heavy and shortly thereafter Mark González's cross from the left wing cross was beyond the outstretched foot of Tomáš Necid. Near the half hour, Amkar threatened modestly but CSKA 'keeper Igor Akinfeev easily turned aside those advances and the match went to the break without a score.
After the restart, the match was grinding down slowly as Amkar was satisfied with absorbing pressure and CSKA, with all its firepower, was unable to turn the key. CSKA was clearly getting frustrated with their inability to break the deadlock and Alan Dzagoev, who was yellow-carded in the opening-half due to poor challenge, was fortunate not to be sent off. Four minutes past the hour, Tomáš Necid, who as of this stage was well controlled by Amkar, received a yellow-card for a obvious handball when he re-directed a Miloš Krasić free kick into the net. With four minutes left in regulation time Pavel Mamayev toppled Georgi Peev, resulting in a shoving match and both players plus Vasili Berezutski who joined in on the fracas, shown yellow-cards for the lack of discipline.. With match seemingly headed for a draw, CSKA struck gold in the second minute of added-time as Guilherme, who had entered for Mark González at the eightieth minute, got on the end of a loose ball at the top left side of the area and unleashed his effort that bounded off the ankles of Martin Kushev to the right. Coming directly to Tomáš Necid, the young striker immediately drove the ball towards the goal but after careening off Mitar Novaković, came to the back post where Keisuke Honda volleyed the ball in for the 1-0 lead. Finally, after six minutes of added-time, the match concluded with CSKA Moskva claiming the full three points with a 1-0 victory.
For CSKA, the victory will be received with trepidation. While the three points are naturally welcomed, there are many questions posed of the high-flying attack that was so easily grounded. Given that FIFA has agreed to push back the transfer deadline for Russian clubs to 8 April, the question is whether Evgeniy Giner will look to tinker with his line-up or give them more time to gel.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Amkar Perm manager Rashid Rakhimov, deployed his side with a five man midfield, maintaining a tight, compact defence and did extremely well at squashing CSKA advances. The Army-Men, who had a fully fit Alan Dzagoev back at the wheel of the attack controlled long stretches of the match but were unable to break into the final third and offer up dangerous chances. In the fourth minute of play, CSKA won a free kick but new man Keisuke Honda thundered his effort into the wall and for the next quarter hour, Amkar soaked up pressure with ease. At the nineteenth minute CSKA began to show some inspiration on the left flank as Miloš Krasić tried to play Alan Dzagoev through, though his pass was too heavy and shortly thereafter Mark González's cross from the left wing cross was beyond the outstretched foot of Tomáš Necid. Near the half hour, Amkar threatened modestly but CSKA 'keeper Igor Akinfeev easily turned aside those advances and the match went to the break without a score.
After the restart, the match was grinding down slowly as Amkar was satisfied with absorbing pressure and CSKA, with all its firepower, was unable to turn the key. CSKA was clearly getting frustrated with their inability to break the deadlock and Alan Dzagoev, who was yellow-carded in the opening-half due to poor challenge, was fortunate not to be sent off. Four minutes past the hour, Tomáš Necid, who as of this stage was well controlled by Amkar, received a yellow-card for a obvious handball when he re-directed a Miloš Krasić free kick into the net. With four minutes left in regulation time Pavel Mamayev toppled Georgi Peev, resulting in a shoving match and both players plus Vasili Berezutski who joined in on the fracas, shown yellow-cards for the lack of discipline.. With match seemingly headed for a draw, CSKA struck gold in the second minute of added-time as Guilherme, who had entered for Mark González at the eightieth minute, got on the end of a loose ball at the top left side of the area and unleashed his effort that bounded off the ankles of Martin Kushev to the right. Coming directly to Tomáš Necid, the young striker immediately drove the ball towards the goal but after careening off Mitar Novaković, came to the back post where Keisuke Honda volleyed the ball in for the 1-0 lead. Finally, after six minutes of added-time, the match concluded with CSKA Moskva claiming the full three points with a 1-0 victory.
For CSKA, the victory will be received with trepidation. While the three points are naturally welcomed, there are many questions posed of the high-flying attack that was so easily grounded. Given that FIFA has agreed to push back the transfer deadline for Russian clubs to 8 April, the question is whether Evgeniy Giner will look to tinker with his line-up or give them more time to gel.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
week 1 preview of Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia
The day is quickly approaching the all fans welcome as the start of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia is upon us. It has been a long three-plus months since Rubin Kazan was crowned champions for the second consecutive period, with many trials, that includes the difficult loss of FC Moskva due to financial collapse but the domestic game has come out rock solid strong.
Kurban Berdyev's Rubin Kazan has adjusted with the loss of striker Alejandro Domínguez to Valencia with the addition of Fatih Tekke from Zenit Saint Petersburg but otherwise been quiet compared to his competition. Last year the manager was brilliant in juggling his line-up but Rubin faces considerable challenges with heavier competition as well as pushing deeper into the Europa League. Rubin's week one test will be no less than Yuriy Semin's Lokomotiv Moscow on Sunday, who is a dark-horse candidate to crash into the top three.
Last years most disappointing side, CSKA Moscow, open up the Russian season at Luzhniki Stadium against Amkar Perm on Friday. The Army-Men were plagued with tactical problems under then-manager Zico and after failings with Juande Ramos came on late once Leonid Slutsky was handed the reigns. CSKA unquestionably were the star of the winter signing market, adding Japanese international Keisuke Honda from VVV-Venlo, Seydou Doumbia from Young Boys and reliable young defender Kirill Nababkin. Though Daniel Carvalho and Vágner Love have been loaned out and unlikely to return to Moscow, the Army-Men have plenty of firepower, including Serbian superstar Miloš Krasić, Mark González, Tomáš Necid, Pavel Mamaev and playmaker Alan Dzagoev. If there is a chink in CSKA's armour, it is within defending and they will need Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutskiy to have banner years if they are to claim the championship.
Finishing second last year was Spartak Moscow, led by young virtuoso Valeriy Karpin. At only forty-one years of age, he led the Krasno-belye in a manner with flourish and restored a sense of youthful swagger to the attack. Resurrecting visions of the legendary Oleg Romantsev, Spartak rebounded under the new leader with scoring machine Welliton terrorizing the opposition. Along with teen protégé's Pavel Yakovlev and Jano Ananidze, as well as exciting winger Alex, Spartak added Ari along with the return Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Prudnikov from loan. Possibly the most important additions to the Spartak line-up will shore up defending with Marek Suchý on loan from Slavia Praha and Nikola Drinčić from Amkar Perm. Week one for Spartak opens with a Moscow derby on Sunday as they go up against Dynamo.
Any mention of the 2009 Russian campaign contains a special chapter wholly dedicated to Anatoli Davydov. Starting with his extraordinary career for Zenit Leningrad, through to his coaching career, he took over from Dick Advocaat in August and quickly pushed his side into a third place finish. With former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti now in-charge, Zenit has re-tooled its line-up with Aleksandr Kerzhakov returning from Dynamo, Danko Lazović from PSV and Danish international Michael Lumb from AGF. Along with Vladimir Bystrov, Danny and Szabolcs Huszti, Zenit possess one of the most potentially powerful attacks in Russia and an immediate threat to stand atop the league at years-end. Zenit opens the campaign in Samara against Krylia Sovetov on Saturday.
Not to be outdone with managerial success stories of Anatoli Davydov, Leonid Slutsky and Valeriy Karpin, this past May marked the triumphant return of Yuriy Semin to Lokomotiv Moscow from Dynamo Kiev. Under Mr. Semin, the Peoples Coach, the Railwaymen were nothing short of brilliant in rising to the fourth spot despite a number of personnel shortfalls. Following the departure of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s to Everton, Dmitri Sychev and Denis Glushakov rose to the occasion and provided noble leadership. The addition of Wágner quickly proved to be a masterstroke with youngsters Alan Gatagov and Renat Yanbayev showing bails of promise. Should Peter Odemwingie continue to emerge as a goal scorer, Lokomotiv will threaten for a Champions League spot and to further their attack have made the brilliant addition of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Aliyev. Lokomotiv will be tested early as they visit defending champions Rubin Kazan on Sunday.
Targeting a top six finish is Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, who soared once Andrey Gordeev took over from Jürgen Röber. Boasting a veteran line-up of Dmitri Loskov, Andrei Karyaka, Dmitri Kirichenko and Marko Topić the Ramenskoe-based side have made critical additions of Denis Boyarintsev and Martin Jakubko and more than capable of testing a spot in Europe. Saturn opens their campaign on Sunday against Alania Vladikavkaz, who replaced FC Moscow after the Citizens financial backing pulled out.
Dynamo Moscow return to the hunt for a top six finish after a disappointing last half of season that saw them finish eighth. Troubled with enormous series of injuries, White-Blues manager Andrey Kobelev did well to squeeze out results. Dynamo has quickly re-built their line-up this winter with the formidable additions of Russian international Aleksei Rebko as well as Alexandru Epureanu, Aleksandr Samedov and Edgaras Česnauskis from FC Moscow, Andriy Voronin from Liverpool as well as Igor Semshov from Zenit Saint Petersburg. Dynamo should not be counted out of winning a spot in Europe and start their season with a clash against Spartak at Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
Pushing to the upper side of the table is Siberia's Tom Tomsk. Valeri Nepomniachi's side returns savvy Đorđe Jokić but have scored tremendous coups this winter with the addition of Kim Nam-Il from Vissel Kobe and Belarusian international Sergei Kornilenko return to Tomsk, on-loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg. Tomsk has also added Moldovan Serghei Covalciuc and should not be counted out for top half finish. Tomsk opens the campaign on Saturday as they visit Rostov.
The winter months were a tumultuous time for Krylia Sovetov as they faced enormous financial hurdles to escape the same fate of FC Moscow. Faced with uncertainty to this day, manager Yuri Gazzaev faces a daunting task that is likely to be a week-to-week test. Gone are Jan Koller, Jiří Jarošík, Timofei Kalachev and Vladislav Ignatyev and the Samarans will need to be tactically proficient to squeeze out points where they can as their line-up lacks the needed pedigree. Yevgeny Savin will loom large in the attack with the highly promising Aleksandr Stavpets, who came over from FC Moscow. Krylia open their season on Saturday as they welcome Zenit Saint Petersburg to Metallurg Stadion.
Spartak Nalchik managed the great escape in 2009 with a stunning last season run to avoid relegation. Manager Yuri Krasnozhan faces a difficult test losing goal scoring phenom Shamil Asildarov to Terek Grozny along with Antonio Ferreira and Dmitri Yatchenko, without a great deal of incoming talent. Nalchik visit newly promoted Anzhi Makhachkala on Saturday.
Despite flirting with relegation, Chechnya's Terek Grozny should contest for a mid-table finish. With playmaker Blagoy Georgiev leading the way, along with veteran striker Hector Bracamonte, Grozny has the talent to shine. Anatoly Baidachny's side have unloaded Romanian's Andrei Mărgăritescu, Daniel Pancu and Florentin Petre and made the superb additions of Maurício from Fluminense, Hugo Báez from CSKA Sofia as well Spartak Nalchik trio, Antonio Ferreira, Dmitri Yatchenko and Shamil Asildarov. Grozny visit newly promoted Sibir Novosibirsk on Sunday.
After a brilliant fourth place finish in 2008, Amkar Perm went into complete free-fall before Rashid Rakhimov returned to manage late. Avoiding relegation with a careful crafted tactical plan, the Red-Blacks finished at thirteenth and will be looking for significant improvement, though they are challenged with financial limitations. The Ural side have brought in young Croatian star Josip Knežević from Osijek and Denys Dedechko from Dynamo Kyiv as well as bringing Nikita Burmistrov in on-loan from CSKA Moscow and Arthur Stepanyan return from loan assignment. Rashid Rakhimov has a brilliant tactical touch with Amkar and will be tested in the league opener against the Army-Men at Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.
Rostov edged out survival last year and to assist this year’s efforts have made considerable additions to the line-up that includes Sorin Ghionea from Steaua Bucureşti, Timofei Kalachev from Krylia Sovetov, goalkeeper Dejan Radić from Spartak Nalchik as well as loaning Roman Adamov from Rubin Kazan and Stanislav Ivanov from Lokomotiv. Manager Oleh Protasov, is no stranger to football aficionados of the Soviet Union and has a very capable line-up. Rostov is targeting a mid-table finish and opens their campaign on Saturday as they welcome Tom Tomsk.
Anzhi Makhachkala won promotion after winning the First Division. Omari Tetradze's line-up has been bolstered with the additions of Mitar Peković from Vojvodina, Jan Holenda from Sparta Praha and Todor Timonov from CSKA Sofia. The Dagestan-based side welcome Spartak Nalchik on Saturday.
Alania Vladikavkaz was the benficiaries of FC Moscow's demise and return to the top flight of Russian football after five years in the lower division. Vladimir Shevchuk's side have quickly stockpiled talent that includes Sani Kaita, on loan from AS Monaco, as well as CSKA Sofia duo Ivan Ivanov and Ivan Stoyanov. Vladikavkaz first test of the upper tier will be Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast who visits on Sunday.
Sibir Novosibirsk enters the top flight of Russian football for the first time in its history. Manager Igor Kriushenko will be significantly tested with his tactical approach as his Siberian side are lacking in overall talent and surprised many with second-place finish in the First Division to win promotion. Novosibirsk will need veteran strikers Aleksandr Antipenko, Aleksei Medvedev and Gennadi Bliznyuk to produce if they are to have a chance. They begin their efforts on Sunday as they welcome Terek Grozny to the chilly confines of Spartak Stadium.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved
Kurban Berdyev's Rubin Kazan has adjusted with the loss of striker Alejandro Domínguez to Valencia with the addition of Fatih Tekke from Zenit Saint Petersburg but otherwise been quiet compared to his competition. Last year the manager was brilliant in juggling his line-up but Rubin faces considerable challenges with heavier competition as well as pushing deeper into the Europa League. Rubin's week one test will be no less than Yuriy Semin's Lokomotiv Moscow on Sunday, who is a dark-horse candidate to crash into the top three.
Last years most disappointing side, CSKA Moscow, open up the Russian season at Luzhniki Stadium against Amkar Perm on Friday. The Army-Men were plagued with tactical problems under then-manager Zico and after failings with Juande Ramos came on late once Leonid Slutsky was handed the reigns. CSKA unquestionably were the star of the winter signing market, adding Japanese international Keisuke Honda from VVV-Venlo, Seydou Doumbia from Young Boys and reliable young defender Kirill Nababkin. Though Daniel Carvalho and Vágner Love have been loaned out and unlikely to return to Moscow, the Army-Men have plenty of firepower, including Serbian superstar Miloš Krasić, Mark González, Tomáš Necid, Pavel Mamaev and playmaker Alan Dzagoev. If there is a chink in CSKA's armour, it is within defending and they will need Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutskiy to have banner years if they are to claim the championship.
Finishing second last year was Spartak Moscow, led by young virtuoso Valeriy Karpin. At only forty-one years of age, he led the Krasno-belye in a manner with flourish and restored a sense of youthful swagger to the attack. Resurrecting visions of the legendary Oleg Romantsev, Spartak rebounded under the new leader with scoring machine Welliton terrorizing the opposition. Along with teen protégé's Pavel Yakovlev and Jano Ananidze, as well as exciting winger Alex, Spartak added Ari along with the return Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Prudnikov from loan. Possibly the most important additions to the Spartak line-up will shore up defending with Marek Suchý on loan from Slavia Praha and Nikola Drinčić from Amkar Perm. Week one for Spartak opens with a Moscow derby on Sunday as they go up against Dynamo.
Any mention of the 2009 Russian campaign contains a special chapter wholly dedicated to Anatoli Davydov. Starting with his extraordinary career for Zenit Leningrad, through to his coaching career, he took over from Dick Advocaat in August and quickly pushed his side into a third place finish. With former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti now in-charge, Zenit has re-tooled its line-up with Aleksandr Kerzhakov returning from Dynamo, Danko Lazović from PSV and Danish international Michael Lumb from AGF. Along with Vladimir Bystrov, Danny and Szabolcs Huszti, Zenit possess one of the most potentially powerful attacks in Russia and an immediate threat to stand atop the league at years-end. Zenit opens the campaign in Samara against Krylia Sovetov on Saturday.
Not to be outdone with managerial success stories of Anatoli Davydov, Leonid Slutsky and Valeriy Karpin, this past May marked the triumphant return of Yuriy Semin to Lokomotiv Moscow from Dynamo Kiev. Under Mr. Semin, the Peoples Coach, the Railwaymen were nothing short of brilliant in rising to the fourth spot despite a number of personnel shortfalls. Following the departure of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s to Everton, Dmitri Sychev and Denis Glushakov rose to the occasion and provided noble leadership. The addition of Wágner quickly proved to be a masterstroke with youngsters Alan Gatagov and Renat Yanbayev showing bails of promise. Should Peter Odemwingie continue to emerge as a goal scorer, Lokomotiv will threaten for a Champions League spot and to further their attack have made the brilliant addition of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Aliyev. Lokomotiv will be tested early as they visit defending champions Rubin Kazan on Sunday.
Targeting a top six finish is Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, who soared once Andrey Gordeev took over from Jürgen Röber. Boasting a veteran line-up of Dmitri Loskov, Andrei Karyaka, Dmitri Kirichenko and Marko Topić the Ramenskoe-based side have made critical additions of Denis Boyarintsev and Martin Jakubko and more than capable of testing a spot in Europe. Saturn opens their campaign on Sunday against Alania Vladikavkaz, who replaced FC Moscow after the Citizens financial backing pulled out.
Dynamo Moscow return to the hunt for a top six finish after a disappointing last half of season that saw them finish eighth. Troubled with enormous series of injuries, White-Blues manager Andrey Kobelev did well to squeeze out results. Dynamo has quickly re-built their line-up this winter with the formidable additions of Russian international Aleksei Rebko as well as Alexandru Epureanu, Aleksandr Samedov and Edgaras Česnauskis from FC Moscow, Andriy Voronin from Liverpool as well as Igor Semshov from Zenit Saint Petersburg. Dynamo should not be counted out of winning a spot in Europe and start their season with a clash against Spartak at Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
Pushing to the upper side of the table is Siberia's Tom Tomsk. Valeri Nepomniachi's side returns savvy Đorđe Jokić but have scored tremendous coups this winter with the addition of Kim Nam-Il from Vissel Kobe and Belarusian international Sergei Kornilenko return to Tomsk, on-loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg. Tomsk has also added Moldovan Serghei Covalciuc and should not be counted out for top half finish. Tomsk opens the campaign on Saturday as they visit Rostov.
The winter months were a tumultuous time for Krylia Sovetov as they faced enormous financial hurdles to escape the same fate of FC Moscow. Faced with uncertainty to this day, manager Yuri Gazzaev faces a daunting task that is likely to be a week-to-week test. Gone are Jan Koller, Jiří Jarošík, Timofei Kalachev and Vladislav Ignatyev and the Samarans will need to be tactically proficient to squeeze out points where they can as their line-up lacks the needed pedigree. Yevgeny Savin will loom large in the attack with the highly promising Aleksandr Stavpets, who came over from FC Moscow. Krylia open their season on Saturday as they welcome Zenit Saint Petersburg to Metallurg Stadion.
Spartak Nalchik managed the great escape in 2009 with a stunning last season run to avoid relegation. Manager Yuri Krasnozhan faces a difficult test losing goal scoring phenom Shamil Asildarov to Terek Grozny along with Antonio Ferreira and Dmitri Yatchenko, without a great deal of incoming talent. Nalchik visit newly promoted Anzhi Makhachkala on Saturday.
Despite flirting with relegation, Chechnya's Terek Grozny should contest for a mid-table finish. With playmaker Blagoy Georgiev leading the way, along with veteran striker Hector Bracamonte, Grozny has the talent to shine. Anatoly Baidachny's side have unloaded Romanian's Andrei Mărgăritescu, Daniel Pancu and Florentin Petre and made the superb additions of Maurício from Fluminense, Hugo Báez from CSKA Sofia as well Spartak Nalchik trio, Antonio Ferreira, Dmitri Yatchenko and Shamil Asildarov. Grozny visit newly promoted Sibir Novosibirsk on Sunday.
After a brilliant fourth place finish in 2008, Amkar Perm went into complete free-fall before Rashid Rakhimov returned to manage late. Avoiding relegation with a careful crafted tactical plan, the Red-Blacks finished at thirteenth and will be looking for significant improvement, though they are challenged with financial limitations. The Ural side have brought in young Croatian star Josip Knežević from Osijek and Denys Dedechko from Dynamo Kyiv as well as bringing Nikita Burmistrov in on-loan from CSKA Moscow and Arthur Stepanyan return from loan assignment. Rashid Rakhimov has a brilliant tactical touch with Amkar and will be tested in the league opener against the Army-Men at Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.
Rostov edged out survival last year and to assist this year’s efforts have made considerable additions to the line-up that includes Sorin Ghionea from Steaua Bucureşti, Timofei Kalachev from Krylia Sovetov, goalkeeper Dejan Radić from Spartak Nalchik as well as loaning Roman Adamov from Rubin Kazan and Stanislav Ivanov from Lokomotiv. Manager Oleh Protasov, is no stranger to football aficionados of the Soviet Union and has a very capable line-up. Rostov is targeting a mid-table finish and opens their campaign on Saturday as they welcome Tom Tomsk.
Anzhi Makhachkala won promotion after winning the First Division. Omari Tetradze's line-up has been bolstered with the additions of Mitar Peković from Vojvodina, Jan Holenda from Sparta Praha and Todor Timonov from CSKA Sofia. The Dagestan-based side welcome Spartak Nalchik on Saturday.
Alania Vladikavkaz was the benficiaries of FC Moscow's demise and return to the top flight of Russian football after five years in the lower division. Vladimir Shevchuk's side have quickly stockpiled talent that includes Sani Kaita, on loan from AS Monaco, as well as CSKA Sofia duo Ivan Ivanov and Ivan Stoyanov. Vladikavkaz first test of the upper tier will be Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast who visits on Sunday.
Sibir Novosibirsk enters the top flight of Russian football for the first time in its history. Manager Igor Kriushenko will be significantly tested with his tactical approach as his Siberian side are lacking in overall talent and surprised many with second-place finish in the First Division to win promotion. Novosibirsk will need veteran strikers Aleksandr Antipenko, Aleksei Medvedev and Gennadi Bliznyuk to produce if they are to have a chance. They begin their efforts on Sunday as they welcome Terek Grozny to the chilly confines of Spartak Stadium.
Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
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