Terek sit very close to the bottom of the standings despite bringing one point from Nalchik, but there is no doubt the hosts face a difficult task against Russian Premier League leaders. CSKA Moscow ended the four-match winning run as they were held to a 1:1 draw by Kuban, so Leonid Slutsky’s side will now be looking to make amends for that slip-up.

Not even Ruud Gullit can help

After narrowly escaping relegation to the second division last term, Terek club chiefs tried to raise the club’s profile by appointing Dutch legend Ruud Gullit, believing that he will be able to attract quality players to the club, but that tactics produced virtually no results. Apart from Spartak Moscow midfielder Alexander Pavlenko, the club failed to bring any notable players, so it is little wonder the team from Grozny continued to struggle. Terek managed to show some improvement of late, having beaten Anzhi at home before bringing one point from Nalchik, but the latest results cannot change the fact that the team aren’t capable for anything more than mere survival. The game against CSKA will be a real test for this side, but everything suggests they will not pass it with flying colours.

Coach Ruud Gullit has no fresh injury worries, although Hector Bracamonte should return to the starting line-up.

CSKA lead the race

Having finished last season just behind champions Zenit, CSKA Moscow are determined to retain the league title and they seem on the right track at the moment. The club had no reason to change anything as CSKA still boast one of the strongest squads in the Premier League, although the arrivals of Aleksandrs Cauna and Viktor Vasin did increase the competition for places. With star players Keisuke Honda, Alan Dzagoev, Seydou Doumbia and Vagner Love in the side, the visitors have got more than enough attacking potential to hurt every defence in the league and they should have no problems scoring a couple against Terek. Wonderkid Alan Dzagoev should return to the side after apologizing to coach Leonid Slutsky and there is no doubt he will be brimming with confidence following the impressive performance for Russia against Cameroon on Tuesday.

Deyvidas Semberas returns to the side, which leaves young full-back Georgi Schennikov as the only unavailable player at the moment.

Verdict

For the second successive season Terek Grozny will be fighting for survival, with Ruud Gullit’s side already showing they don’t have what it takes to fight with the best of them. CSKA, on the other hand, have been in impressive form and they are hot favourites to win this game.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power