Lokomotiv-Kuban ready to challenge CSKA in VTB League

The VTB United League opens on Friday with four clubs in contention for the title, and one of them has changed more than the others. Lokomotiv-Kuban arrived at the new season with a roster that head coach Gleb Firsov believes is ready to challenge the holders.

CSKA Moscow remain the favourites after winning last season's final 4-0. They have kept their Greek coach, Andreas Pistiolis, and made only one change to the squad. Kirill Elatonstev returns from the American college league to share the centre position with the team.

Lokomotiv-Kuban have been busy. They brought in Firsov to lead the club, and he says the new players give them the edge they need to reach the top. The club also won its Super Cup group ahead of CSKA before losing in the semifinals.

Unics Kazan and Zenit St Petersburg complete the quartet. Unics have spent the season in the Russian Cup tournament and sit third after three matches. Zenit will open the league campaign against Uralmach in St Petersburg.

Lokomotiv-Kuban have not yet found their rhythm in the Russian Cup. They have played three matches and are winless so far. The club will need to turn that around quickly if Firsov is to get off to a winning start.

The league table will take shape over the next few weeks. If Lokomotiv-Kuban can convert their recent energy into consistent results, they may well force CSKA to work for every point.