Spartak Moscow-Alanya Vladikavkaz
Football: Russian Premier League
Friday, 15th October 2010. Kickoff 17:00 CET

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Spartak Moscow

Spartak’s game vs. Alanya stands out from the rest of week-end schedule due to Red-Whites upcoming CL fixture against Chelsea. Russian vice-champions had quite a lot of players out on international duty: goalkeeper Dykan, defenders Suchy,Parshivlyuk and Pareja; midfielder Jano and Kozlov were called up to respective national sides. Spartak will again be short of key striker Welliton who is relishing a come back in time for Chelsea. Right midfielders Kirill Kombarov and Nikita Bazhenov have both recovered from respective injuries.

Despite intense schedule Valery Karpin hasn’t been rotating his starting line-up much. Defensive recruits rarely get a chance to rest as head coach is seeking for stability. Left winger Christian Maidana made a rare start for Spartak a fortnight ago against Anzh. Taking into consideration Karpin’s warm feelings towards the Argentinean, I wouldn’t rule the possibility of his second consecutive start.
Spartak’s first round 2-5 loss to Alanya in Vladikavkaz is one of season’s black spots. I am sure Karpin will remind his team-mates about that embarrassment.

Alanya Vladikavkaz

Alanya is just one point away from the relegation zone after losing the highly important home fixture vs. fellow relegation candidates Krylia Sovetov. With an extremely difficult schedule ahead, Vladimir Shevchuk’s side is considered by many to be the top candidate to join doomed Sibir Novosibirsk.
Alanya’s offensive potential is boosted by the return of strikers Babatunde and Nizamutdinov.Romanian defensive midfielder George Florescu is injured, while skipper Alexander Tikhonovetskiy has left the club due to personal reasons. Marat Bikmaev, who was arguably Alanya's best player in the previous match, is suspended.

Vladimir Shevchuk will certainly tussle the starting line up after the heartless 2-3 loss to Krylia Sovetov. Important offensive winger Ivan Stoyanov was taken off in the first half and his replacement Khubulov left a much better impression.So the 19 year old youth system product could edge into the starting frame. Alexandr Marenich (Alanya’s top scorer,by the way) looks good to regain his position on the left wing. Shevchuk will have to decide between Babatunde and Nizamutdinov in attack. They possess absolutely different qualities and the latter had a short loan spell at Spartak last season.
Alanya’s mentor should look closely into his players’ motivation as some internationals seem to be less determined to get the team out of this difficult tournament situation.

Betting advice

Odds are rapidly dropping on Spartak's handicap win. I must remind all of you about a similar match 3 weeks ago, when Red-Whites were held to a 2-2 draw by minnows Amkar. Spartak had many representatives involved in international fixtures and overall fitness and motivational level may be misbalanced.

Nevertheless I can't see Alanya earning even a point in Moscow. Nerves can get the better of visitors and an opening goal by Spartak might send them into a deep psychological knock-out.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Spartak (-1.25) @ 1.80 with Bet365