CSKA Moscow v VfL Wolfsburg: Preview
CSKA Moscow must beat one of the best teams in the Bundesliga if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League, according to their coach Leonid Slutsky.
The Russians welcome Wolfsburg to the Arena Khimki on Wednesday and Slutsky believes the Wolves can be counted in the same category as Bayern Munich.
``We've studied them and it's not going to be easy,'' he said at a press conference. ``They are one of the best teams in Germany.''
Recent results support Slutsky's thesis, with the Wolves dismantling Werder Bremen 6-0 at the weekend.
That allowed them to warm up in style for a game they are equally keen to win, to boost their own qualification hopes ahead of the visit of Manchester United to the VW-Arena for their final group game in December.
``We've got every chance and we know now's when it matters and we have to get the points,'' said Andre Schurrle to Spiegel TV.
``We know how tight it is and it's going to be hard to go away to Moscow first, but we've got to play both our remaining games well. We can get something in Moscow then we can wrap things up at home.
``They've got some good players - some quick players up front, and they are stronger at home, but we've got to play our own game and then it's possible to get something.''
Defeat would not end Wolfsburg's hopes of qualifying, but CSKA would be out of the running for a top-two finish if they were to lose to the Wolves for the second time this season, after a 1-0 defeat in Germany.
That situation could play into Wolfsburg's hands, according to their coach Dieter Hecking.
``The pressure is a bit on Moscow as they have to win if they want to have a realistic chance,'' he said.
``That could boost our chances of finding more room. They like to play on the counter-attack and if they do that, that could leave gaps for us to exploit.''
Seydou Doumbia, who has scored six times in the Champions League this season, including qualifying, is expected to be passed fit to play for CSKA while Luiz Gustavo is the main doubt for the guests.
CSKA suffered a third straight defeat at the weekend, but Leonid Slutski hopes to have Seydou Doumbia available for their must-not-lose game against Wolfsburg.
- CSKA coach Leonid Slutski hopes to have Seydou Doumbia available
- CSKA suffered first home defeat in seven months at the weekend
- The Army Men will be out of contention for a top-two finish if they lose
- Wolfsburg have been beaten in both Group B away games
- CSKA overcame Wolfsburg 2-1 in Moscow on 25 November 2009
Possible lineups
CSKA Moskva: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Vasin, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Wernbloom, Tošić, Milanov, Dzagoev; Musa, Doumbia.
Out: Eremenko (groin)
Doubtful: V Berezutski (thigh)
CSKA Moskva: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Vasin, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Wernbloom, Tošić, Milanov, Dzagoev; Musa, Doumbia.
Out: Eremenko (groin)
Doubtful: V Berezutski (thigh)
Wolfsburg: Benaglio; Träsch, Dante, Naldo, Schäfer; Arnold, Guilavogui; Vieirinha, Caligiuri; Kruse; Dost.
Out: Luiz Gustavo (back), Knoche (ankle)
Doubtful: Rodriguez (personal reasons)
Out: Luiz Gustavo (back), Knoche (ankle)
Doubtful: Rodriguez (personal reasons)
Leonid Slutski, CSKA coach
I know Wolfsburg very well. One game – no matter how good or bad it is – cannot change my view of a team. Of course the victory [6-0 against Werder] confirmed them as one of the Bundesliga pacesetters, but it was no surprise for me.
I know Wolfsburg very well. One game – no matter how good or bad it is – cannot change my view of a team. Of course the victory [6-0 against Werder] confirmed them as one of the Bundesliga pacesetters, but it was no surprise for me.
[Seydou] Doumbia is working with the group and preparing to take part in the game. The situation with Vasili Berezutski is more difficult; he hasn't started training with the group yet.
Dieter Hecking, Wolfsburg coach
CSKA are top of the league in Russia. They lost their last game but that will have no impact on our meeting with them. This fixture is also very important to them and they will be under more pressure than us. The onus is on them to attack and they are more than capable.
CSKA are top of the league in Russia. They lost their last game but that will have no impact on our meeting with them. This fixture is also very important to them and they will be under more pressure than us. The onus is on them to attack and they are more than capable.
We need to play better than we did against PSV [losing 2-0 in Eindhoven]. We need to take our chances and play well on the counterattack. We are settled into our hotel and it is very snowy; more snow than we have in Germany. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's fight; I love football.
Weekend results
CSKA Moskva 0-2 Krylya Sovetov Samara(Jahović 52 66)
The Russian leaders suffered their third successive defeat, including two in the Premier-Liga, and first at home since 8 April. It could have been worse – Alan Chochiev also missed a 69th-minute penalty for the visitors.
CSKA Moskva 0-2 Krylya Sovetov Samara(Jahović 52 66)
The Russian leaders suffered their third successive defeat, including two in the Premier-Liga, and first at home since 8 April. It could have been worse – Alan Chochiev also missed a 69th-minute penalty for the visitors.
Wolfsburg 6-0 Werder Bremen (Alejandro Gálvez og 11, Kruse 44 87, Vieirinha 56, Guilavogui 67, Dost 78)
The Wolves ran riot as they made it 29 Bundesliga home games unbeaten, since a 6-1 reverse against Bayern München on 8 March 2014.
The Wolves ran riot as they made it 29 Bundesliga home games unbeaten, since a 6-1 reverse against Bayern München on 8 March 2014.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
CSKA Moskva: LLLWWD
Wolfsburg: WLLWLW
CSKA Moskva: LLLWWD
Wolfsburg: WLLWLW
Reporter's view: Richard van Poortvliet
CSKA's air of invincibility has evaporated domestically. Since their matchday four reverse at Old Trafford, the Army Men have lost twice – their only two defeats of the Russian season. Slutski knows his side are well below par, with a small squad competing on so many fronts and injuries playing a part. By contrast, confidence is sky-high in the Wolfsburg camp following a 6-0 dismissal of Werder Bremen at the weekend.
CSKA's air of invincibility has evaporated domestically. Since their matchday four reverse at Old Trafford, the Army Men have lost twice – their only two defeats of the Russian season. Slutski knows his side are well below par, with a small squad competing on so many fronts and injuries playing a part. By contrast, confidence is sky-high in the Wolfsburg camp following a 6-0 dismissal of Werder Bremen at the weekend.
Did you know?
Wolfsburg beat CSKA in their first UEFA Champions League fixture on 15 September 2009. Grafite hit a hat-trick for Armin Veh's hosts, Alan Dzagoev netting for a CSKA team coached by Juande Ramos; find out more in our extensive match background.
Wolfsburg beat CSKA in their first UEFA Champions League fixture on 15 September 2009. Grafite hit a hat-trick for Armin Veh's hosts, Alan Dzagoev netting for a CSKA team coached by Juande Ramos; find out more in our extensive match background.
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