Spartak Nalchik - Spartak Moscow
Football: Russian Premier League
Monday, 20th September 2010. Kickoff 17:15 CET

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Spartak Nalchik (5)

Spartak is desperately trying to hold on to the European Cup zone after sensationally successful 1st part of the season sent them into Premier League elite. However they've been struggling to keep the same level of consistency after the summer 2 month break slowly moving down the ranking.

This home game against Spartak Moscow is season's highlight for local fans.

Hosts are short of regular defender Filatov and playmaker Kontsedalov. Kontsedalov's injury affects team's ability to control the ball in midfield. It is the thing they like to do so much in home games and against Spartak it may turn into a big issue.

Ever since Amisulashvilli transfer to Turkey, center of defense has not been looking as convincing. Spartak has failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 consecutive games. Last “to nil” victory registered back in May.

Spartak Nalchik will have the same line up which got beaten 2-0 in Samara by second from bottom Krylia Sovetov. Officially board of directors has set a target of finishing inside the top 5. Not once in club's history were the aiming this high.

Spartak Moscow (6)

Spartak may be participating in Champions League, but are on the verge of missing the prestigious tournament next season as they sit 7 points behind 3rd placed CSKA. Karpin's men face an uphill task and have to quickly retune to domestic problems following sensational 0-1 win in Marseiile.

Premier League top scorer Welliton and right back Parshivljuk are suspended. Midfielders K.Kombarov & N. Drincic, defender Pareja and offensive winger N.Bazhenov are all injured.

Welliton's suspension is an immense blow for Spartak. With 15 scored goals this season (more than 50% of team’s total) the 24 year old Brazilian is simply irreplaceable. His compatriot Ari will, of course, do his best to provide an adequate cover, but former AZ man lacks the killing touch.

One of Marseille heroes, Evgeniy Makeev, will go to the right flank to work for suspended team-mate Parshivljuk. Spartak's most expensive purchase of summer 2010, Aiden McGeady, was the flop of the match against French champions with dangerous turn-overs and backward passes.

With Pareja and Parshivljuk out Valery Karpin has only 4 defenders available for selection.

Betting advice

Spartak Nalchik has never in their history won against Moscow namesakes. At the same time they're unbeaten at home this season. This two factors really puzzle the situation.

Looking at previous h2h results an obvious overish trend catches the eye. 2:4 in 2009, 1:2 in 2008 and 2:2 in 2007. So my suggestion is to consider the over 2.25 offer.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Over 2.25 goals @ 1.97 with Bet365;