After a contrasting start to their Champions League campaign so far this season, Manchester United will hope to get back on track against CSKA Moscow tonight.
On paper, Louis van Gaal’s men possess the quality throughout their starting line-up to overcome the Russians, but the travel aspect and a volatile atmosphere will play their part in it potentially being an uncomfortable night for the Old Trafford side.
CSKA are by no means world-beaters, but they do possess players in their ranks that have the ability to hurt United if not properly restricted.
The Russians beat the Red Devils’ cross-town rivals City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium at the same stage last season, showing that they cannot be written off.
Here are three stars from the Russia capital city side that could prove the difference for the hosts…
Seydou Doumbia
The Ivorian centre forward has all the attributes to be a major star in one of Europe’s top teams, but appears to feel more at home at the Khimki Arena.
Moving to Roma in January did not pan out for Doumbia, who is back in Russia on loan and has continued where he left off for the club, scoring seven goals in his last seven games.
With aggression, pace to threaten in behind, a physical presence and the ability to convert half chances, the African is the biggest threat to United.
The player will also want to use the game as a chance to impress potential suitors across the continent given that the 27-year-old’s club future is up in the air currently.
Zoran Tosic
No-one will be more motivated to exact defeat on United than gifted winger Tosic, who is a former player of the Red Devils but left Old Trafford without making an impression or name for himself.
The versatile attacker spent two years on the English club’s books but only made two Premier League appearances in that time before being offloaded to CSKA.
A fully-fledged Serbia international with an impressive strike rate for his country, Tosic’s supply to Doumbia is one of the key features of the Russian side’s attacking play.
With plenty of trickery and a wicked delivery from wide, United’s full-backs will have to keep a very close eye on the 28-year-old.
Igor Akinfeev
CSKA’s captain has spent his entire career with his boyhood club despite rumours suggesting he could leave for brighter pastures, and has even been linked with United in the past also.
Against the English side, the experienced Russia international will act as the last line of defence and has been known to all-but single-handedly win games for his team in the past.
Also capable of confidence issues, as shown by some of his displays for Russia at last summer’s World Cup, the form and mood of Akinfeev could well be a telling factor that dictates the outcome of tonight’s clash.
