<p><strong>Zenit St. Petersburg’s Vyacheslav Malafeev ready to play against Spartak Moscow</strong></p>
<p>Zenit St. Petersburg first choice goalkeeper, Vyacheslav Malafeev, is eyeing a return in the upcoming Russian Premier League encounter against Spartak Moscow, after recovering from an injury sustained against Rubin Kazan at Tsentralnyi Stadion.</p>
<p>Zenit recently won 4-1 against FC Tom Tomsk. Reserve team shot-stopper, Yuri Zhevnov, was named in place of the injured Malafeev, who impressed during the course of the meeting against Tomsk.</p>
<p>Malafeev revealed his frustration after missing against the Sibiryaki and the Russian national believes that he is now ready to give his best in the upcoming tie against the Myaso.</p>
<p>“I am absolutely ready against Spartacus. In the heated derbies, the mood is always special. I think the win is going to give us a lot of confidence and I hope that I give my best.” The UEFA Super Cup winning goal keeper was quoted as saying.</p>
<p>The Russian custodian played the entire match in the latest UEFA Champions League tie against FC Porto. Malafeev revealed that it was nice to enter the field as it would help him in getting his match fitness back.</p>
<p>The Red-White striker, Welliton, is set to return in the upcoming match, as the Brazilian served a six-match ban after fouling CSKA Moscow shot-stopper, Igor Akinfeev. Malafeev refused to speak about the Brazilian front man and revealed that he is ready
for the derby.</p>
<p>“I understand that this story adds intrigue to the forthcoming match and stirs interest in him but I am not focusing on this matter. I want to concentrate on my game and not on anything else.” Malafeev concluded.</p>
<p>The Russian Cup winner highlighted that Zenit are not afraid of any opponent and reiterated his desire to lift the league trophy with the help of head coach Luciano Spalletti. Malafeev admitted that the title race is still open and Zenit need to stretch
their lead in order to retain the Russian Premier League title this season.</p>
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