CSKA travel to the Etihad Stadium tonight to take on an in form Manchester City side in the Champions League. Man City somehow managed to take all 3 points from the reverse fixture in Moscow last time out, which has dramatically reduced the Army Men’s chances of qualifying from the group phase. One hopes that the game is played without the ugly incidents the last time these two teams met in Moscow where Yaya Toure was subject to racist abuse from a minority of the CSKA support. A defeat here for CSKA could see Group D realistically settled as both Bayern and Man City could be at least 6 points clear of CSKA with 2 to play.
The Army Men have won their last 3 games in all competitions, including success in the Russian Cup in a week in which many of their rivals were knocked out by lower league opposition. CSKA also beat Volga away in the RPL at the weekend, and they currently sit 4th in the RPL table. The Citizens come into this game on the back of a tremendous 7-0 win against Norwich at the weekend, and Pellegrini’s men will be very confident of a win in this fixture.
Russian clubs typically struggle away from home in the Champions League, but CSKA will have to put that stereotype to bed if they want a chance of progressing to the knockout phase after Christmas.
Team News
The hosts have a wealth of options all over the field, and I expect Pellegrini to make multiple changes from the side that defeated Norwich at the weekend. Jesus Navas and Edin Dzeko could come in for Samir Nasri and Alvaro Negredo as Pellegrini seeks to keep his large squad happy. The Chilean has stated however, that he expects Costel Pantilimon to keep his place in goals for the foreseeable future ahead of out of form Joe Hart. Yaya Toure and Fernandinho will probably anchor the midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Leonid Slutsky welcomes back midfield maestro Rasmus Elm to the squad for this one, although he will still be without Dzagoev and Mario Fernandes due to injury. Slutsky will also be encouraged by the return to the squad of Seydou Doumbia who has been sorely missed by the Army Men.
Slutsky has plenty to ponder ahead of tonight’s game at the Etihad.
Tactics
As you can see from the diagram, I have selected an 11 which Slutsky could pick in tonight’s game. This is a similar team that played against Volga at the weekend, but the return of Rasmus Elm to the squad should prompt Slutsky to make a few changes.
I expect the back 4 to remain the same from the weekend, as despite the centre backs receiving criticism in recent weeks, Slutsky does not have too many options to choose from with the absence of key players such as Mario Fernandes. Man City’s pace in forward areas could cause CSKA problems as neither Ignashevich or Berezutski are blessed with much pace. Jesus Navas could prevent Schennikov from pushing forward which could ruin CSKA’s balance in the attack,
Elm could partner his compatriot Wernbloom in defensive midfield, and his range of passing and tactical awareness compliments Wernbloom’s defensive capabilities well in that position. Elm also provides more options from set pieces, including a good long throw if necessary.
Musa and Tosic should start on the wings, as the latter has been in great form of late, scoring a lovely goal in the return fixture. Musa should keep his place on the left as Zuber has been out of sorts and Slutsky has previously stated that Vitinho was struggling to adapt to life in Eastern Europe.
Doumbia and Honda could have success against Man City’s defense, as they did in Moscow. Pellegrini does not seem to be a fan of Joleon Lescott, despite calls from the British media to give him a chance at the centre of defense.
Danger Men
Aguero (Man City)- The Argentine has been in breathtaking form of late, both in terms of his general play and his goalscoring. He was a constant thorn in CSKA’s side in Moscow and scored their opening goal. Expect him to play behind Dzeko or Negredo and cause the CSKA defenders plenty of problems due to his intelligent run making.
Doumbia (CSKA)- The Ivorian really has been missed whilst he has been sidelined with injury, and Slutsky is delighted to have him back. Despite having a lot of pace (like Musa), Doumbia is very composed in front of goal, so Honda and co will be trying to set him up at every attempt. He may provide CSKA with hope in this game, especially with Man City’s lack of options at the back.
Doumbia- a threat to Man City?
Prediction
I expect a good game in Manchester tonight, with both sides looking for what could be an important 3 points. City will be desperate to progress from the group stages for the 1st time, as that was one reason why the previous regime was ended. CSKA meanwhile, know that only a win will give them any hope of progressing but they will be really up against it here. An early goal for CSKA will make the natives restless and that could give CSKA a platform to build on. I expect Man City to be too strong for the visitor’s though and they will end up winners on the night.
Prediction: Man City 2-0 CSKA
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