Valery Novikov, a former goalkeeper for the USSR and CSKA teams, weighs in on CSKA Moscow’s chances to crack the top three in the current Russian Premier League season. The veteran analyst argues that Zenit Saint Petersburg appears to have already secured the title, yet he believes CSKA can challenge for the runner-up spot. His view is rooted in a pragmatic assessment of form, fixture difficulty, and the ability of CSKA to convert opportunities into points over the remaining rounds. Novikov stresses that every match matters and that the path to a prize position hinges on a consistent run of results rather than one-off performances. He notes that the team has already accumulated a significant share of points early on, which creates a foundation for climbing the table if the squad manages to sustain momentum and avoid costly slips against mid-table opponents or direct rivals in the race for second place.
Novikov emphasizes that success will depend on CSKA’s capacity to secure points in upcoming fixtures. He recalls that the team collected a notable number of points in the first phase of the season and argues that capitalizing on that early lead is crucial. According to the expert, CSKA still has a realistic shot at finishing second, provided they maintain their undefeated streak against tough opponents and minimize losses. He points to nearby results, such as Spartak Moscow’s 0-0 draw with Akhmat Grozny and Dynamo Moscow’s inability to convert chances into results, as reminders that the difference between stepping onto the podium and slipping could come down to fine margins in several matches. Novikov’s message is clear: opportunities exist, and they must be seized while the season unfolds, especially as other contenders also contend for points in the same stretch run. The tone suggests a hopeful but cautious assessment, underscoring the need for disciplined defense, sharp attacking transitions, and steady leadership from the coaching staff to navigate the most demanding weeks of the campaign.
After 21 rounds, Zenit sits atop the standings with a substantial points cushion, maintaining a clear lead over its closest pursuer, Rostov. CSKA sits in fifth place with mid-teens to early-twenties points, depending on postponed matches, and faces the challenge of climbing higher as the schedule progresses. If CSKA can win or draw against Fakel in the next fixture and translate that result into a jump to fourth, the door to a podium finish becomes more tangible. The current gap to the teams above them has been narrowing through a combination of consistent performances and the disruption of rivals’ results, which keeps the race alive for several clubs in the middle of the table. Observers highlight that Zenit’s dominance is unlikely to be overturned this season, but the battle for the remaining podium spots remains wide open, with several clubs vying for better standings and European qualification implications. The discussion around CSKA’s trajectory centers on balancing offense and defense, maintaining squad depth, and leveraging home-field advantages to collect needed points as the run-in intensifies.
Analysts caution that the club’s away fixtures offer less comfort than home games, particularly in tightly contested away matches against mid-table teams. Novikov notes that the away schedule presents its own set of hurdles, including travel fatigue, hostile atmospheres, and the pressure of taking points on the road. He asserts that CSKA’s tactical plan must adapt to these conditions, sustaining aggressive pressing when feasible while avoiding unnecessary risks that could backfire in high-stakes matches. The overarching takeaway is that CSKA has the potential to translate early-season momentum into a top-three finish, but achieving that goal will require meticulous game management, smart rotation to keep players fresh, and a relentless focus on securing results against direct rivals in the remaining rounds. The overall assessment remains guarded but hopeful, with Novikov convinced that the club’s leadership and squad can steer the campaign toward a strong finish while keeping Zenit’s dominance in perspective and maintaining pressure on Rostov and Spartak as the season advances.