Not one, but two big Moscow Derbies this weekend

Two of the most volatile fixtures in the Russian Premier League, Spartak Moscow travelling CSKA this Saturday is arguably the biggest match in the Russian Premier League this weekend, will be played in the Khinki Stadium. Spartak go into the clash with neighbours CSKA having one the previous clash 3-0 last season. Meanwhile across the city, Dinamo and Lokomotiv will also be challenging this weekend for bragging rights.



CSKA a couple of injury doubts going into their home clash as Aleksandrs Cauna is out as is Sergey Chepchugov whilst Alan Dzagoev and Vassili Berezoutski remain doubtful for the top of the table clash. Spartak have their own injury concerns to contend with as Rómulo, Serdar Tasci, Salvatore Bocchetti, and Tino Costa who is out through suspension. Yura Movsisyan is likely to feature in the match despite being a doubt following an injury picked up against Zenit prior to the international break.

The man in the spotlight at the minute.

Lokomotiv go into the game at home to Dinamo with a few concerns of their own as Guilherme, Dmitriy Tarasov, and former West Ham player Victor Obinna will miss the clash with nearly England bound Dan Petrescu's side. The Romanian manager and former Chelsea player has a fully fit squad to chose from, however his side have a tough job on his hands trying to break down this Lokomotiv side who have kept four consecutive clean sheets at home. Jan Tigorev is expected to start in midfield for Lokomotiv with Dmitriy Tarasov missing the game through suspension.

Two eagerly anticipated fixtures in the Russian calender and I fully expect home wins in both games. However major doubt casts in my mind regarding Saturday's fixture, but the form of Swede Rasmus Elm may prove to be key in the battle at the Khinki stadium. Lokomotiv's solid defensive displays cast little doubt as to my expected victors in this clash.