Belarus protests. Last week, the chants entered the stadium for the first time. Now the Vysshaya Liga is delayed, but the supportive gestures to the Belarusian people’ struggle come from Russia, CSKA Moscow and Ilya Shkurin.
Another weekend full of great football from all around the world is here. We’d like to remind you of our new
Levels Format – if you are new to our recap, take a look for our
Amateur recommendation; for the more experienced followers, we have the
Professional level ; and for our addicts we have our special
World Class delicacy. Enjoy, and feel free to leave your feedback about our choices.
(All times are in CET local time)
Amateur (Like this player)
What? Spartak Moscow – CSKA Moscow (Russian Premier League)
When? Friday, 20:30
Where? Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow
Why? Despite what many tend to think, the Spartak and CSKA Derby gained in importance after the collapse of the Soviet Union. During the USSR era, Spartak was a rare case in Soviet football, as it was an independent club, a unique format at the time. CSKA was the Red Army's team, with the most fans' until today. In addition, the fact the match was moved from Saturday to Friday just one week in advance, after ticket sales had begun and without Spartak being notified, is an outrageous move by CSKA. Expect a hot environment in the stands.
Key Players: Spartak Moscow's leading player is the Armenian Yura Movsisyan, who grew up in the United States and played for 3 years in the MLS. At CSKA, there are two players to watch out for: Seydou Doumbia, the Ivorian striker who has come back from an unremarkable spell in Rome and is supposed to play, and Bibars Natcho, the Circassian-descent Israeli midfielder, who dictates the team’s play.
Spotlight Persona: Spartak´s coach is the former Russian football legend, Dmitri Alenichev, who played in Italy for years and won the Champions League with Porto and Jose Mourinho in 2004. Alenichev is a hero to Spartak's fans and he's a Spartak fan himself. As it's his first Moscow derby as a coach, all eyes in the city will be on him. Good luck Dima!
*(Many thanks to Michael Yokhin for his insightful comments on this part).
Professional (like this guy)
What? ES Sétif – MC Oran (Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1)
When? Saturday, 18:00
Where? Stade 8 Mai 1945, Sétif
Why? Last season’s photo finish in Algeria was unbelievable. With 4 matchdays left, each one of the teams could have won the title or faced relegation. ES Sétif, the reigning CAF Champions League holders, eventually won the title, while MC Oran finished 3rd, 4 points behind. Hopes for another close race are high.
Key Players: The leading name at Sétif is Abdelmalek Ziaya, a homegrown player who left to play in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, who has returned for the grand finale of his career. Oran’s Libyan striker Mohamed Za'abya will try to keep on scoring, like he has done in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Economics: The Algerian economy is suffering from a severe financial crisis. The Algerian Football Federation decided to join the attempts to improve it by banning clubs from hiring foreign players, due to the lack of foreign currency in the country.
World Class (like this guy)
What? Alga – Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi (AFC Cup qualifying round)
When? Saturday, 17:00
Where? Spartak Stadium, Bishkek
Why? The AFC decided to change the AFC Cup qualifying system. In the first round there are two groups with 3 teams from the lower ranked nations. In group B, Alga, the Kyrgyz representative, will face Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi, champions of Bangladesh, in a match for the only spot in the next round. Both teams won their first matches against Benfica de Macau.
Key Players: Alga have Ildar Amirov, a local player who has 31 caps for the national team and won the AFC President's Cup twice with Dordoi. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi’s captain, Mamunul Islam, is one of the greatest players in Bangladeshi football, who has 35 international caps and has attracted attention from the Indian Super League.
The Suspended Dutchman: the Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh national teams had played in a World Cup qualifier back in June. During the match, Bangladesh manager, Lodewijk de Kruif, was suspended after abusing the referees. On Wednesday, FIFA decided to extend his suspension so he will not guide the team in their next match against Australia.
