21.11.2014 10:40 h

After slip-ups, Zenit anxious to consolidate lead

Russian league leaders Zenit St Petersburg are aiming to end a two-match losing run against Kuban Krasnodar on Saturday.

Andre Villas-Boas' side suffered defeats in the Champions League to Bayer Leverkusen and on the domestic front to Terek Grozny.

Zenit welcome Kuban with a solid seven-point lead over defending champions CSKA Moscow.

FC Krasnodar, Terek Grozny and Kuban Krasnodar are grouped in third on 24 points.

"After the previous break for international duties we've experienced some difficulties," Villas-Boas, the former Chelsea and Tottenham manger, said on Friday.

"Our results (in that period) went up and down as we have lost some of our momentum.

"But we're still in a good position in the league and our goal is to win the title this season. And we know well that we shall improve a lot to achieve the desired results in the Premiership and the Champions League.

"Of course we want to keep our current lead until the winter break. So, undoubtedly our objective for the upcoming match is to win it."

Kuban have a new manager with Belarus coach Leonid Kuchuk, sacked by Lokomotiv Moscow, taking over on Monday.

Kuban players welcomed the return of Kuchuk, who guided Kuban into a best ever fifth when he was coach previously in 2013.

Kuban midfielder Artur Tlisov said: "We know well that Kuban have never beat Zenit before.

"Hopefully Kuchuk's return will help us to write a new chapter in the history of the Premiership."

Title holders CSKA, who have lost points in their last three Premier League matches, have a stiff test ahead at FC Krasnodar.

The Red Army side will likely be without international midfielders Israeli Bebars Natcho and Belgaria's Georgi Milanov, who picked up injuries during their national sides' Euro 2016 qualifiers.

CSKA's attacking line meanwhile was boosted as their Ivory Coast sharpshooter Seydou Doumbia has finally returned to full fitness while Brazilian forward Vitinho has also been given a clean bill of health.

"We've lost too many points in our recent Premiership matches," CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky said.

"On Saturday we have no other choice but to win to stay in the race for the title. Otherwise the gap (to the leaders Zenit) may become too big."

Krasnodar are anxious to follow up their last time out win over Rubin.

"The victory over Rubin was extremely important for us after the defeats in the Premiership and Europa League matches with Wolfsburg," FC Krasnodar head coach Oleg Kononov said.

"It was a tough win but the upcoming clash with CSKA is unlikely to be easier. But we have a chance to seriously improve our position in the table and we're set to do our best to capitalize on it."

Fixtures (all times GMT)