CSKA Moscow vs. Bayern Munich: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

CSKA Moscow took a beating from AS Roma on Matchday 1, and things won't get any easier when they host Bayern Munich for their second 2014-15 UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday.

The Bavarians needed a late goal to get past Manchester City on the first matchday but have been in good form in recent weeks, and Pep Guardiola's high-flying attack will present a real challenge for the Russian hosts.

CSKA's league form has been impressive of late, however, and with home-field advantage, they'll have to believe in their chances on Tuesday.

Date: Tuesday, September 30

Time: 5 p.m. BST/noon ET

Venue: Arena Khimki, Moscow

TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports (For UK viewers, channel to be determined) and ESPN Deportes (for US viewers), with mobile coverage available via the Sky Go app and ESPN Wireless.

Preview

Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

There was some confusion as to where the match would be played, with several pundits claiming the fixture would be moved to Lokomotiv Stadium. According to a press release from CSKA, however, the teams will meet at the Arena Khimki as planned, and the action will take place behind closed doors.

The UEFA decided this fixture would be played without any fans in attendance in response to incidents during CSKA's Champions League match against Victoria Pilzen, a decision that didn't sit well with Germans fans, via ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld.

As shared by Bundesliga Spotlight, Jerome Boateng is a question mark for the Bavarians going into the match:

Xabi Alonso has enjoyed a sensational start to life in the Bundesliga, quickly becoming a vital part of Guardiola's system in the centre of the pitch. Per FOX Soccer, he has grown accustomed to his new surroundings in a hurry:

Alonso's emergence has helped the team cope with a number of significant injuries, and Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Mario Gotze's sensational form has made fans forget about the injured Franck Ribery, and Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney thinks the veteran French star might find it difficult to break back into the starting XI upon his return:

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Gotze's blistering form has come during a time that Franck Ribery has been sidelined. And it's no coincidence that one has followed the other. For one thing, it's meant that Gotze has been regularly deployed in the same position, a free one between left wing and central attacking midfield. But most importantly, the absence of Ribery, the longest-serving member of the Bayern attack and primary playmaker of more than seven full seasons, has left Gotze with a clear and important role. Now he's the man Bayernlook towards to create opportunities in the attacking third. And he's delivered, especially consistently as of late: His goal and assist against Koln on Saturday left him with four goals and two assists in his last five matches in all competitions.

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CSKA have won four straight in the Russian Premier League, and midfield star Alan Dzagoev was phenomenal in the team's 4-3 win over Ural with a goal and two assists.

The hosts' fortunes will likely rest on the shoulders of stopper Igor Akinfeev, however. The Russian No. 1 was once hailed as one of the world's best upcoming goalkeepers, but a serious of inconsistent performances has greatly damaged both his standing and confidence.

At his best, Akinfeev is as close to unbeatable as any stopper in the world. But too often, he follows up moments of brilliance with mistakes like this one against Roma, via the Guardian's Paolo Bandini:

Bayern haven't conceded since late August, according to WhoScored.com, and Guardiola's teams are always known for their attacking intentions. Pressure will be high on Akinfeev's goal, and the experienced stopper simply can't afford to make any mistakes against one of Europe's most prolific attacking squads.

Playing in Russia is never easy, but the Bavarians are strong favourites in this match.

Prediction: CSKA Moscow 0-2 Bayern Munich.

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