Until the last couple of weeks, CSKA Moscow had failed to live up to their expectations in the Russian Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Their performances in their last three matches, though, have been nothing short of fantastic. The forward combination of Alan Dzagoev, Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia was stellar in their five-goal performance against Anzhi Makhachkala. That followed a three goal performance against Wednesday’s opponent, Trabzonspor.
UEFA Champions League 2011, Trabzonspor Vs. CSKA Moscow: Army Men Lean On Star Forwards
Over the weekend, they shined again in a 4-0 win over Spartak Nalchick. Vagner Love scored a goal and Seydou Doumbia scored three. Though a trip to Trabzon is going to be much tougher than playing at home or away games in Russia, they have to be favorites heading into Wednesday’s encounter.
However, Trabzonspor’s leading goal scorer Burak Yilmaz is both fit and back from suspension. His form last season was spectacular, and the difference in the side when he is starting up top is massive. They’ve added some considerable depth over the last two transfer windows at the striker position, but there is no one on the team with the finishing touch around the goal that Yilmaz has.
On Matchday 3, Trabzonspor played a conservative lineup that featured Hamit Altintop, probably a better second striker or attacking midfielder than a No. 9, as a lone striker. They will play a much more aggressive lineup at home on Matchday 4, and though CSKA are favored to get points from the match, this one should be considerably less lopsided than the match between the two sides in Moscow.
Trabzonspor vs. CSKA Moscow kicks off at 3:45 pm ET, 7:45 pm GMT and 9:45 pm local. We’ll have coverage of all of Wednesday’s Champions League action in our UEFA Champions League Wednesday, Matchday 4 StoryStream. For more on the entire world of football, check out SB Nation Soccer.
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