While CSKA Moscow were seen as one of the favourites for the title even before the season started, few could have predicted that Anzhi Makhachkala would be tied on points with the leaders after 12 league rounds.

After several years of struggles, CSKA Moscow have finally started to play to their potential, with their first place in the standings the perfect proof.

Leonid Slutsky’s side currently lead the title race, tied on points with Anzhi but with a game in hand, so you should know that Betfair pays 2.16 (29/25) on CSKA to win the Russian Premier League.

The Army Men continued the impressive run of results by beating Terek Grozny away 4:2, with striker Vagner Love scoring his first goals of the season.

Striker Tomas Necid is set to miss next six months of action after tearing his cruciate ligaments against Terek, but all other footballers are ready for this clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Akinfeev – Odiah, Ignashevich, V. Berezoutski, A. Berezoutski – Honda, Aldonin, Mamaev, Dzagoev – Doumbia, Vagner Love.

Heavy investment in the playing squad has produced excellent results for Anzhi, with the Dagestan club now sitting in the second place in the standings.

After signing players like Roberto Carlos, Mbark Boussoufa and Diego Tardelli, Anzhi have secured the signing of excellent midfielder Balasz Dzsudzsak from PSV, which proves that the club from Makhachkala aim high this term.

The Hungarian will only join the club at a training camp in Austria on 4 July, meaning that he won’t be in contention for this match.

Diego Tardelli is set to miss six weeks of action after picking up an injury in the 2:0 win over Spartak Nalchik, while key defender Joao Carlos returns to the side from suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Revishvili – Angbwa, Tagirbekov, Gadzhibekov, R. Carlos – Lakhiyalov, Agalarov, Ahmedov, Boussoufa – Holenda, M. Gadzhiev.

Going into this match high on confidence and without any pressure, Anzhi could cause the leaders all sorts of problems, so bear in mind that the visitors are 2.63 (13/8) with Stan James not to lose at Arena Khimki.