Spartak M – CSKA

The main Moscow derby will turn out in CSKA’s favor.

Ironically, in the final of the Russian Cup's Regional Path, two Moscow clubs will meet. However, it's unlikely that Russian fans will lament the extremely peculiar format of the national cup, since no local football fan would pass up seeing the capital's main derby again. At CSKA, ahead of the upcoming match for a place in the Super Final, long-awaited changes took place. After the team's failure in March and April this year, only the lazy would not ask Fabio Celestini himself, the club's management, and each other about the Swiss coach's possible dismissal. The decision on this matter seemed inevitable, as the team's decline in form was obvious to all. In the end, the saga of the dismissal dragged on so long that it reached a resolution at what seemed the least appropriate moment — before the decisive match in the only tournament where CSKA can still win a trophy. Dismissing Celestini right now would make sense if another permanent coach had immediately been appointed in his place; however, on Monday Dmitry Igdisamov, who previously led CSKA's youth team, was appointed interim head coach. Spartak had already changed its coaching staff during the winter break, after which the 'People's Team' improved its standing in the Premier League. But is Juan Carcedo's squad ready to achieve the victory bookmakers predict for them? They made the home side the favorites for the upcoming clash, offering odds of 1.70 on their victory. Spartak has improved its form compared with last year. In the Red-Whites' play, there appeared noticeable structure and substance. The other thing is that over the last month the Moscow side achieved victories only in every other official match, having lost to Krasnodar and Krylya Sovetov. As if the Red-Whites' game has become more predictable for opponents, and Carcedo still lacks the personnel to diversify Spartak's football. CSKA last won a month ago, after which they produced a five-match winless streak. At the same time, the Army men have significant squad depth, which last autumn elevated them to contenders for the championship trophy. The visitors will put on a worthy derby.