In the 20th round of the Russian Premier League, Moscow’s Spartak will welcome Fakel from Voronezh on March 10. The red-and-white squad has publicly released its lineup for the encounter, signaling a clear intent to push for a strong result in front of home fans and curious viewers across Russia, as well as fans following the league from Canada and the United States who are tracking live action and post-match analysis.
Spartak’s starting eleven for this clash includes Maksimenko, Zobnin, Duarte, Babich, Ryabchuk, Prutsev, Martins, Medina, Ignatov, Zinkovsky, and Ugalde. These names reflect a blend of homegrown talents and seasoned internationals, with the squad structure designed to balance defensive solidity with creative push from the midfield and a dynamic forward line. The selection suggests coach Guillermo Abascal is prioritizing a compact defensive shape while leveraging rapid transitions to exploit gaps behind Fakel’s back line.
Fakel, the visiting side, lists Belenov, Bozhin, Cherov, Masternoy, Magal, Senkhadzhi, Alshin, Mendel, Kvekveskiri, Markov, and Appaev. The lineup reveals Fakel’s approach of fielding a disciplined unit capable of absorbing pressure and striking on counterattacks. The tactical match-up promises a battle between Spartak’s positional play and Fakel’s organized compactness, with both teams aiming to capitalize on set-pieces and quick breaks to tilt the scoreboard in their favor.
The kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 Moscow time, a slot that often attracts strong local crowds and ensures regional viewership across Russia, while those watching from abroad will be tuning in to timely broadcasts or streaming options depending on their location. A team of referees led by Artem Lyubimov will officiate the game, with discipline and fair play expected to guide the flow of a contest that could feature intensity in midfield duels and high-stakes decisions in both boxes.
The match will be played at Luzhniki Stadium, a venue with a storied history and a capacity that amplifies the atmosphere whenever Moscow clubs have a home fixture against notable opponents. Earlier in the season, it was reported that Spartak faced some hesitations about hosting certain home matches at their usual venue, adding an extra layer of narrative to this particular encounter. In the most recent league round, Spartak and Zenit finished 0-0, underscoring Spartak’s desire to reclaim attacking momentum and sharpen offensive cohesion as the season presses on toward the business end.
Heading into this round, Guillermo Abascal’s Spartak occupies fifth place with 31 points after 19 matches. The standings shift rapidly in the Russian top flight; Zenit, having defeated Ural in their latest league outing, sits atop the table with 39 points. Krasnodar is closely following with one point fewer, while Dinamo Moscow holds third place with 38 points. These context clues shape the atmosphere surrounding the game, as both Spartak and Fakel look to gather momentum while keeping a cautious eye on the rivals’ results in the table. The broader narrative includes how the standings influence confidence, late-season form, and the potential for adjustments in team selection as the club navigates fatigue, squad depth, and strategic decisions from the dugout.
Earlier in the season, Promes was mentioned as having made comments or appeals related to Spartak, adding a layer of intrigue to the club’s campaign and fueling fan debates about transfer activity, squad balance, and the potential impact on performance during crucial fixtures. The evolving storyline surrounding Spartak’s roster, coaching approach, and competitive positioning continues to be a central focus for supporters and analysts alike as the league progresses toward decisive matches and possible European contention in future campaigns.