The Russian giants face an uphill task against high-flying Real Madrid, but they are hoping freezing weather conditions in Moscow will give them en extra edge over their opponents.

CSKA Moscow qualified for Champions League group stages by finishing last league campaign in second place, and they were placed into an evenly matched group alongside Inter, Lille and Trabzonspor.

The Russian giants managed to secure the second place in the standings by beating Inter away in the final group game, but they were unlucky to be pitted against Real Madrid in the last 16 stage.

With their domestic campaign not due to start for another couple of weeks, the Army Men are likely to struggle against los Blancos, especially as this will be their first competitive game after two and a half months.

When we also take into consideration injuries to Igor Akinfeev, Mark Gonzalez and Aleksandrs Cauna, it is no wonder CSKA are 10.00 (9/1) with Betfair to qualify for the next round.

Tomas Necid and Zoran Tosic are back in contention, but key midfielder Keisuke Honda is struggling with a knee injury and he is unlikely to start.

A very tight game is expected at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, and it’s good to know that you can get full refund if the match ends goalless with Unibet’s Champions League Insurance.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Chepchugov – A. Berezutski, V. Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov – Aldonin, Wernbloom – Musa, Dzagoev, Tosic – Doumbia.

Real Madrid enter this clash as hot favourites to go through, but los Blancos cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.

Jose Mourinho’s side have been absolutely brilliant this season, having won all six Champions League group games, while creating a ten-point cushion at the top of La Liga.

Los Merengues are determined to go all the way in Europe’s top competition, meaning they will be looking to finish the job in Moscow if possible.

The excellent form they are in is probably the reason why away win pays just 1.45 (9/20) at Sportingbet, although there could be some value in this price.

Angel Di Maria, Lassana Diarra and Hamit Altintop have stayed in Spain, but Ricardo Carvalho and Sami Khedira return to the side. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe should be fit to play after shaking off minor knocks.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Ramos, Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Granero, Ozil, Ronaldo – Benzema.