CSKA Moscow 2 - 1 Besiktas

CSKA Moscow v Besiktas: Preview

Updated: September 29, 2009, 6:44 PM UK

Under-fire Besiktas boss Mustafa Denizli has backed his team to end their goalscoring slump when they travel to CSKA Moscow tomorrow night.

The Turkish champions have endured a torrid start to the new season winning just once in all competitions and they head to the Russian capital having failed to score in their past five games.

Besiktas' goalscoring woes were in evidence a fortnight ago when they suffered a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Manchester United in their opening match Champions League match in Group B.

Denizli's side outplayed last season's finalists for long periods without finding the net, before a late Paul Scholes header condemned them to a home defeat.

With his side also languishing in 12th place in the Turkish Super Lig table the pressure is mounting on Denizli, especially after he signed veteran Turkey international striker Nihat to boost their striking options in the summer.

Nihat is yet to open his account since returning to the club where his career began, but Denizli believes the 29-year-old's goalscoring touch will return to inspire his side.

"On the inside or outside of the country the quality of Nihat can not be discussed. We have added a true footballer to our squad,'' he said at a press conference today.

"But sometimes a striker can have a goalscoring crisis, this is the life of such a player. It is important for the team that we do not focus on him and try to force a goal for him.

"If we try and do that then that can have a negative impact on my players.

"The goal is close to coming and it can come from any player in any position. Of course, at the moment this is a situation that adversely affects the team, but I believe in the spirit of this team and we will rediscover how to score again.''

CSKA Moscow boss Juande Ramos has identified Besiktas' poor scoring record as a reason for optimism as his side also look for their first points in the competition.

The Russians suffered a 3-1 defeat at Wolfsburg on the opening matchday.

"It's a positive statistic for us, but we still need to be wary despite this,'' said Ramos, who took over as coach from Zico earlier this month.

"First of all we will think how to arrange our game, but we will also try to extend Besiktas' goalless streak. We have enough motivation to win.''

CSKA's striking options have also been hit after forward Vagner Love was loaned to Palmeiras until the end of the season this week.

The Brazilian had asked to return to his native Brazil due to family problems, although he signalled his intention to return to Moscow by signing a two-and-a-half year contract extension before departing.

Aside from Love's departure Ramos should have a full-strength side to chose from while Besiktas will wait on the fitness of goalkeeper Rustu Recber (ear) as well as defensive duo Ibrahim Toraman (heel) and Matteo Ferrari.