Spartak

It's all about Alex, even as the title race enters "squeaky bum time". His majestic chip put us ahead, his thundering volley quashed Rostov's fight back and goals from Pavel Yakovlev, Zhano Ananidze and Welliton completed the rout. Maestro Alex was cruelly denied a hat-trick by the crossbar, and with three games left we're a point behind leaders Rubin.

Rich Delacy

Last time out: Rostov (h) 5-1

Next up: Krylya Sovietov (a) Sat. 4 pm

FK Moskva

In the teeth of the blizzard, we picked up a vital win over Zenit which keeps us in the hunt for the third Champions League spot.

It wasn't pretty - due to the weather - but it was effective. We've picked up some form again after a slump, we're looking good for at least a Europa League place and we're still dreaming about mixing it with the top dogs. Not bad for a little club.

Jimmy Lawrence

Last time out: Zenit (h) 1-0

Next up: Kuban (a) Sat. 6:30 pm

CSKA

My advice to CSKA fans is to keep believing that  Champions League football is "still" possible come next season. The match against Terek was not a vintage performance but a win was all that mattered. I must confess that Leonid Slutsky is yet to win me over (after all he has only had one game in charge) but I'm impressed that he's accepted the offer to manage the club in this difficult time. Tomas Necid is proving to be a goal poacher and I'm happy for the entire squad.

JK Samson

Last time out: Terek (h) 1-0

Next up: Man Utd (a), Tues. 10:45 pm

Dinamo

No thrills from a 0-0 draw at home to Amkar, even if Vladimir Gabulov, Denis Kolodin and Alexander Kerzhakov returned from their injuries. But there was more excitement after comments from the club about the transfer policy this winter. Apparently five or six newcomers are expected, with the aim of taking the team to a new level. And while experience is needed, old codgers need not apply. Sounds promising - if it happens.

Andy Potts

Last time out: Amkar (h) 0-0

Next up: Spartak Nalchik (a) Sun. 2:30 pm

Lokomotiv

That is what football is all about - four goals, two red cards and a dubious penalty, or a dive if I were less biased. Loko built up a head of steam before Tom's keeper made a rash decision to come for the ball, only for the nippy Peter Odemwingie to beat him to it and tumble untouched over his outstretched hands. The Nigerian later made it 3-1 in gift wrapped style after a Tom defender nodded him clean through while the rest of the back line stood appealing for offside.

Ed Bentley

Last time out: Tom (a) 3-1

Next up: Amkar (h) Sun. 7 pm