UEFA Cup Preview : CSKA Moscow - Deportivo La Coruna

Deportivo will be entering uncharted territory on Thursday night when they take on CSKA Moscow, marking the first time they encounter Russian opposition in Europe...

Experienced Campaigners

CSKA Moscow are one of those teams who seem to be made for the UEFA Cup. Often found wanting in the Champions League, it is in this competition that they come into their own, as evidenced by their title winning season in 04/05. However, their recent campaigns have not quite reached those dizzying heights.

Despite the (often accurate) stereotype associated with the perils of visiting Russian sides due to the treacherous weather and pitch conditions, the Luzhniki has hardly been a fortress for CSKA in Europe. A five match winless streak at home was only ended in the first round with an unconvincing 1-0 win over unfancied NK Slaven Koprivnica.

With the Russian Premier League operating in the summer months from March to November, CSKA effectively enter this competition at the back end of the season, rather than at the beginning like most of their rivals. Arguments can be made for both sides as to whether or not this is an advantage, but what is certain is that CSKA will be putting all their eggs into their European basket. While not mathematically out of the title race, the nine point deficit to Rubin Kazan is unlikely to be made up in five games. CSKA's priorities, therefore, are abundantly clear.


Former Glories

The days of Deportivo being a force to reckon with in Europe seem long gone, but it is only four years since they thrashed AC Milan 4-0 at the Riazor to turn over a 3-0 deficit and advance into the Champions League semi-finals. In those days, Depor used to consistently fight for domestic and European honours at the highest level, but eventually the big boys came calling and raided them of their best players. The recovery has never quite materialized.

Their route to the UEFA Cup Group Stage has been considerably less glamorous. After finishing ninth in La Liga last season, Depor had to go through the long drawn out process of the Intertoto Cup to reach the first round. Still, now that they are here, their opponents will no doubt be worried about a side with a history of upsetting the odds.

While it is early days in La Liga yet, Deportivo's current position of eleventh seems a fairly safe bet with regards to their final position. Not good enough to challenge for any serious honours, but not poor enough to go down, it should not be long before they simply settle for their mid table spot, and concentrate solely on Europe.


FORM GUIDE

CSKA Moscow

WON 4-1 (H) Amkar (Russian Premier League, 19th October)

WON 2-1 (A) Khimki (Russian Premier League, 5th October)

WON 1-0 (H) Slaven Koprivnica (UEFA Cup, 30th September)

WON 2-1 (H) Tom Tomsk (Russian Premier League, 27th September)

WON 1-0 (H) Baltika (Russian Cup, 24th September)


Deportivo La Coruna

DREW 0-0 (A) Racing Santander (La Liga, 19th October)

WON 1-0 (H) Numancia (La Liga, 5th October)

WON 2-0 (H) Brann (UEFA Cup, 2nd October)

LOST 4-2 (A) Valencia (La Liga, 28th September)

DREW 0-0 (A) Osasuna (La Liga, 24th September)

TEAM NEWS

CSKA Moscow

CSKA have no notable injury concerns to speak of, The Berezutski twins shold start in defence, while Yuri Zhirkov and fan favourite Vagner Love will carry the bulk of the attacking responsibility.


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