Spartak Moscow-CSKA Moscow
Football: Russian Premier League
Sunday, 1st August 2010. Kickoff 17:00

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Russia's biggest derby

As I've mentioned in my other preview - the transfer window in Russian Premier League will be opened earlier than scheduled enabling all sides to register its' new signings.

CSKA has two high-profile additions: Ivory Coast striker Doumbia from Young Boys Bern and Serbian midfielder Tosic from Manchester United. The latter, unfortunately, will not be able to participate due to a minor injury.

Brazilian Guilherme has been released back to Dynamo Kyiv after two sides failed to reach an agreement over his transfer fee. Whereas transfer bound Milos Krasic is concerned, well, the Serb seems to be now unwanted by the big clubs which were in the hunt before the World Cup.

Spartak is in the shadows. The club is reknown for its continious failures on the market. Whenever talks are opened - they're usually held for 2 or 3 months and finally end up with nothing.

The latest saga is the purchase of McGeady from Celtic. Spartak urgently needs reinforcement in virtually every department. Goalkeeper position is the biggest question mark with Russians Soslan Dzhanaev and Sergey Pesjakov being extremely unreliable.

Nervousness is passed on to defenders who are just prone to make a mistake. Welliton's injury has weakend Spartak's offensive potential to 50%, while Alex' poor form this season is also a significant blow.

If you add lack of genuine wingers, then you'll get a clear picture of what Spartak is about at the moment with just over a month left until the CL start.

Betting advice

In the modern history it is CSKA who usually prevails in derbies. But this time both sides approach the big match in a visible down trend.

Despite CSKA' relatively high ranking their form gives reasons for serious concerns. Spartak with its' inability to score on an empty net looks just as an average,if not to say, mediocre team.

CSKA is without suspended Alan Dzagoev for this one, but Honda can provide an equal cover. Spartak could be short of key players Welliton and Alex.

Given this build up I would suggest taking CSKA on the draw-no-bet option.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take CSKA to win @ 2.60 with Bet365;

HANDICAP BETTING :

Consider CSKA to win with a level ball hp @ 1.95 with Bet365; (main bet)