Inter is making their 2nd trip to Russia in this years Champions League knowing that a draw will secure their semi-final spot for the first time in 7 years. Standing in their way is CSKA Moscow who is trying to become the first Russian team to make it the semi finals since changing the old European cup format to the Champions League format as we know it today.

CSKA Moscow
Ruled out: Evgeni Aldonin (suspended), Milos Krasic (suspended)
Home game record: Champions League 2-1-1

Begging to become the first Russian team to make it to the semifinals since 1991 when Spartak Moscow made it in the old European Cup format, CSKA is full of hopes after the first game result that still leaves a lot of football to be played. Coach Leonid Slutsky knows that the key to progressing lies in keeping Inter Milan away from scoring and hence his team will come out trying to play a controlled offence. Preciously in this years Champions League they have beaten Besiktas and Wolfsburg at home (both 2-1). Worth to mention is the fact that they are playing on artificial grass at the Luzhniki stadium which will prove a test for all visitors. CSKA will be without midfield duo Aldonin and Krasic and it will be interesting to see how coach Slutsky will put together his start 11. History is in the making for this game and the question remains whether this fact will put too much pressure on CSKA to perform or prove to be a confidence booster for the team.

Inter Milan
Ruled out: Julio Cesar, Ivan Cordoba & Wesley Sneijder are all doubtful
Away game record: Champions League 2-1-1

Inter has won their last 4 Champions League games and find confidence in the fact that they have previously this year drawn in Russia (1-1 against Ruben Kazan) and won in Ukraine (2-1 against Dynamo Kiev). A major concern is however the recent injury to Wesley Sneijder that leaves him doubtful for this game. During a practise session at the Luzhniki stadium in Russia, Sneijder limped out with what appeared to be problems with his right ankle after a collision with team mate Sulley Muntari. Sneijder has been brilliant this season and it was also his genius pass that set up their last win at Chelsea when he found Samuel Eto’o who converted and secured a 1-0 away win. This weekend they cruised to an easy 3-0 win at home against Bologna, a win that retained the first position in the Serie A. Inter holds a 1-0 win advantage after the first game and hence a draw will be enough to secure further progress in the tournament. With coach Jose Mourinho being a strategic mastermind I am sure that his team will not come out firing but instead play a waiting game and see what CSKA will come out with. Included in the squad is also trouble maker Mario Balotelli who has apologised for his behaviour and have been forgiven by Mourinho.

Conclusion
The fact that CSKA can not allow Inter Milan to score is going to be a decisive factor in the way the teams will go into this match. I am sure that CSKA will come out waiting for just the chance they need and not risk to much until they have to. Inter and Mourinho knows this and hence they will pretty much approach it in the same way, waiting and trying to pull out the pace of the game, relying on counter attacking. I know that CSKA will have to take chances if the game is tied late in the game but this will again leave openings in their defence. All in all I recommend betting on a draw.