Three weeks ago, CSKA sensationally defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in a crowded Luzhniki. After two matchdays the side now is a surprising leader of Group G.
But the up-and-down season is continuing. After that great victory, the youngsters lost to Lokomotiv 0-1 despite having a one-man advantage, lost in the first round of the Cup of Russia to FNL side Tyumen but just after the international break defeated Anzhi Makhachkala in Kaspiysk.
CSKA have sold all their tickets in the away end and even ordered additional tickets. According to the club administration about 1,500 fans will support the Army Men in the Stadio Olimpico.
Tactical Analysis
The main headache for Goncharenko is Akinfeev’s one-match ban. Though Georgy Kyrnats played last minutes in Luzhniki, Goncharenko said that Ilya Pomazun has more chance to play in Rome. The goalkeeping position will be the weakest part of CSKA in the match.
The second problem for the manager is the defensive midfielder position. Bistrovic is injured and Jaka Bijol returned from the Slovenia national team with an injury. Goncharenko said that he hopes Bijol will be ready to play against Roma.
Goncharenko prefers 5-2-2-1 (or 5-2-1-2) formation with active wing-backs. In the match against Real, CSKA scored in the second minute and then sat back for the most part of the match. As a result this formation was transformed to a 5-4-0-1.
One wonders if the Red-Blues will play the same way to receive points in the match against a powerful Roma. Russian top-scorer Fedor Chalov will seek to score chances and challenge for long passes from depth. Vlasic and Dzagoev should help the defense and run out to counters.
If the Army Men play in the attacking zone, wing-backs Mario Fernandes and Nababkin will deliver the ball to the attacking trio of Vlasic-Dzagoev-Chalov. Of course, with such an opponent as the Romans, the flanks will not be as active as in RPL matches.
Team News
Viktor Goncharenko recieved a boost that Khetag Khosonov and Konstantin Kuchaev recovered after respective injuries. Khosonov even played 15 minutes against Anzhi. As mentioned above, Bijol’s participation in the match is under question.
Another blow is that Georgy Shchennikov again returned to the hospital and has not played any matches after a previous injury.
CSKA played a Primier Liga match on Friday and have one additional day to prepare for the Champions League. Also, Goncharenko substituted his attacking players (Dzagoev, Chalov and Vlasic) from 70-75 minutes to give them a rest.
Key Players
Ilya Pomazun – The 22-year-old goalkeeper will make his debut in the Champions League, but he has experience of participation in the UEFA Youth League. The youngster has played only four matches for the first CSKA squad. No doubt the Red-Blues will be under pressure and needs to avoid conceding easy goals.
Nikola Vlasic – The 20-year-old Croat is on a hot streak. He scored and assisted in Plzen and scored the winning goal against Real. In the International break he scored a goal and made two assists in two matches for Croatia U21. On Friday he again scored a winner against Anzhi. Every match he proves that Everton’s manager made a mistake with his season loan. The match against Roma is a new good test for him.
Rodrigo Becao – The Brazilian is the leader of the Muscovites defense. He has perfect positioning and heading. His task will be to help his colleagues Chernov and Magnusson and decrease the pressure on the young goalkeeper.
Predicted Line-Up
5-2-2-1: Pomazun – Mario Fernandes, Becao, Chernov, Magnusson, Nababkin – Oblyakov, Akhmetov – Vlasic, Dzagoev – Chalov
Prediction
CSKA is the obvious underdog again especially considering Akinfeev’s absence. Also we remember the last match of opponents in Rome four years ago when Roma smashed the Red-Blues 5-1. The Army Men needs to avoid a big-margin loss and to save chances to receive head-to-head advantage in Luzhniki match as potential tie-breaker. I think a loss with 1-2 goal difference wouldn’t be a tragedy if CSKA score.
In 2014 during the match in Rome there were riots in the stands. UEFA unprecedently punished CSKA with five CL matches without fans (in home and away games). The side is very interested in avoiding any further troubles in the stands.
AS Roma 3 – 1 CSKA Moscow
Leave a Reply