Spartak Moscow are, meanwhile, just a solitary point behind the leaders. Fourth-placed FC Moscow will look to thwart their city rivals’ attempts to grab the top spot, and improve their own fortunes in the meantime, as they have been winless in the past three league outings.

Third-placed CSKA also have a derby game circled on their schedule, as they prepare for Lokomotiv. The Army Men need to fill the void left by Yury Zhirkov, and Zico could try out newly signed Mark Gonzalez on the left wing.

Dinamo Moscow head south to take on top-ten side Rostov, putting last week's disappointing 1-0 loss to Terek behind them. The Muscovites have some work to do, as they currently find themselves seven points behind the leaders in fifth position.

Seventh-placed Zenit travel to Perm, as they prepare to do battle with Amkar in their first match without Dick Advocaat at the helm. The Dutchman helped the side win the UEFA Cup and the league title during his three years at the helm, but was sacked after a run of poor results. He'll be looking forward to an upcoming managerial role with the Belgian national team, while the club’s legend Anatoly Davydov takes over interim duties at Petrovsky.

Ninth-placed Saturn should have little trouble against second from bottom Spartak Nalchik at their home pitch in Ramenskoe.

Meanwhile, last placed Khimki need to pick up the pace against Krylya as they try to avoid relegation.

Elsewhere, Tom, who soundly beat Zenit 2-0 in the previous round, will be looking to build on that result against Kuban, who also bade farewell to their helmsman last week.