Champions League Preview: CSKA Moscow - Wolfsburg

Wolf In Sheeps Clothing

The German champions head into the clash with a three point advantage over their hosts, with the 3-1 win in the reverse fixture on Matchday 1 meaning Armin Veh’s side can qualify with just a point as a result of a superior head-to-head record.

But Wolfsburg’s form has been patchy at best, particularly domestically. Saturday’s surprise defeat at the hands of lowly Nuernberg saw them slip six points behind unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen and put the defence of their league crown in jeopardy.

The constant speculation linking key individuals such as Edin Dzeko and Zvjezdan Misimovic with a move is unlikely to have helped morale either. Rumours continue to circulate regarding the former, and the attention of clubs of the stature of Manchester United and Milan has unquestionably affected his form. Four goals in 13 matches is not in keeping with the prolific 2008-09 season he enjoyed.

However, Die Wolfe's Champions League displays have been solid enough to put them into a strong position to qualify. They were unfortunate to lose against leaders Manchester United, while they were left to rue missed chances in the home draw with Besiktas, who were destroyed in the away match. Meanwhile, CSKA were soundly beaten thanks to a Grafite hat-trick first time around.

Russian Roulette

The Russians, meanwhile, will be well aware of the gravity of the task in hand. Juande Ramos’ recent departure has done little to improve their form, with one win in their last seven matches diminishing any aspirations of returning to the Champions League next season.

It has been a far from successful campaign for the 2005 UEFA Cup winners, who look set to finish fifth in the Russian Premier League, and one win in four matches leaves them in a difficult position in the Champions League.

Stand-in coach Leonid Slutsky has been installed to raise the performances from the players in the closing matches of the Russian season. He is sure to set his side out with an attacking frame of mind. Attackers Alan Dzagoev and Tomas Necid have looked impressive, particularly the former, who has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid.

The Koni played extremely well against Manchester United in their 3-3 Old Trafford draw, and if they can produce a performance of that kind of level then they could set up a dramatic final round.

It is clear that the Russians' need is greater, and if they play an open and offensive game, then we could be in for a treat on the Luzhniki's artificial turf.

FORM GUIDE

CSKA Moscow

21 Nov Spartak Moscow 2-3 CSKA Moscow (Russian Premier League)
08 Nov CSKA Moscow 0-2 Rubin Kazan (Russian Premier League)
03 Nov Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow (Champions League)
30 Oct  CKSA Moscow 1-0 Terek Grozny (Russian Premier League)
25 Oct  CSKA Moscow 1-3 FC Moscow (Russian Premier League)

Wolfsburg

21 Nov Wolfsburg 2-3 Nurnberg (Bundesliga)
07 Nov Hoffenheim 1-2 Wolfsburg (Bundesliga)
03 Nov Besiktas 0-3 Wolfsburg (Champions League)
31 Oct Wolfsburg 3-3 Mainz (Bundesliga)
25 Oct Hertha Berlin 0-0 Wolfsburg (Bundesliga)

TEAM NEWS

CSKA Moscow

Mark Gonzalez's ankle injury required surgery, which will keep him out of action until next year, while Sekou Oliseh is expected to start after making a full recovery from his hip injury.

Probable XI (4-5-1): Akinfeev – Ignashevich, Semberas, A. Berezutsky, V. Beretzutsky – Carvalho, Aldonin, Oliseh, Dzagoev, Krasic – Necid

Wolfsburg

Karim Ziani is likely to return to the squad after receiving dispensation to take part in Algeria’s World Cup qualification celebrations. Jonathan Santana should be fit after his exploits with Paraguay.

Possible XI (4-4-2): Benaglio – Riether, Costa, Madlung, Schafer – Kahlenberg, Josue, Misimovic, Gentner – Grafite, Dzeko

PLAYER TO WATCH

CSKA Moscow

One of the Russians' key men in the group stages has been Milos Krasic. The 25-year old made a name for himself by netting a clever goal at Old Trafford in the 3-3 draw on Matchday 4. He is direct, purposeful and offers a valuable outlet for his side in the attacking third.

Wolfsburg

Zvjezdan Misimovic missed Bosnia’s second leg of their World Cup qualifying clash against Portugal. His absence was pivotal as his creative guile was lost to his nation. He is of equal importance to his club side - when he and Dzeko are on-form Wolfsburg can be a formidable force.

PREDICTION

The Germans are in the driving seat, knowing a draw will be enough to see them through. They should get it, despite the best efforts of the home side.

CSKA Moscow 1-1 Wolfsburg

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com