There may have only been two rounds of matches in this season's Champions League group stages, yet Manchester City are already at a point where nothing less than a win will do in the Russian capital on Tuesday night.
Manuel Pellegrini's men have collected just one point from encounters against Bayern Munich and Roma, which has left them third in the standings - above only their hosts CSKA Moscow.
In terms of selection, Frank Lampard is likely to be absent because of a thigh injury, but it is expected that Yaya Toure will be reinstated to the starting lineup after being rested for the 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Elsewhere, Pablo Zabaleta should come in at right-back at the expense of Bacary Sagna, while Edin Dzeko may partner Sergio Aguero, who netted all four goals in the victory over Spurs, in attack.
As for the home side, they will be without playmaker Alan Dzagoev and Swedish defender Pontus Wernbloom because of suspension.
These two teams met in the group stages last season, with City winning both encounters. In Moscow, Manchester United flop Zoran Tosic put the home outfit in front, but two goals from Aguero sealed all three points for the English champions.
CSKA have hosted English opposition on five occasions in total and have wins over Aston Villa and Arsenal under their belt.
Recent form
CSKA: LWWWLW
Man City: DWWDWW
Possible starting lineups
CSKA: Akinfeev; Schennikov, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Fernandes; Natcho, Eremenko, Milanov, Tosic, Musa; Doumbia
Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy; Milner, Fernando, Toure, Milner; Aguero, Dzeko
Sports Mole says: 1-2
Liam Apicella
