CSKA Moscow’s 100% record in the Europa League so far means that they are almost through to the next round of the competition. A win against Palermo at the Arena Khimki on Thursday will see them finish at least second in the group; and if Sparta Prague lose or draw against Lausanne Sports in the other game in the group, then the Russians will secure top spot.
Interestingly, the Russian side have won all their group games 3-0. A fortnight ago they created one of the upsets in the competition when they destroyed Palermo in Sicily to go five points clear of Sparta Prague in pole position of Group F.
However, the 2005 UEFA Cup winners are not taking the Sicilians with ease as they know that Delio Rossi’s side will attempt to bite back. Coach Leonid Slutski warns, "Palermo did not play as well as they could have in Italy. But they are still a serious, valid and strong team. We cannot underestimate them.''
Winning Is The Only Medicine
Palermo are currently third in Group F with three points from three matches but they are not in the best of forms right now. Since their 3-0 defeat to CSKA at the Stadio Renzo Barbera two weeks ago, the Rosanero have lost both their matches in Serie A, going down 2-1 to Udinese in Udine and then falling 1-0 to Lazio at home at the weekend.
To add to their bad patch, Palermo have lost both their away games in Europe this season (one against NK Maribor in the qualifier and the other against Sparta) and will also be without the services of Javier Pastore, Armin Bacinovic, Josip Ilicic and Abel Hernandez for the trip to Moscow.
Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami knows that the Aquile are up against the odds but remains confident of a result. He says, "CSKA is a great team and we will have to be focused from start to finish. We need to give our best to try to take home a win.''
Prediction
A win for Palermo especially in the absence of playmaker Pastore is hugely unlikely. The most that the Sicilians can aspire for is a draw but given CSKA's form, they should win at home with ease.
CSKA 2-0 Palermo 
