In the week’s game of the week, by Winline, undefeated CSKA will face off against a Zenit side that’s gaining momentum.
Venue: Moscow, Russia, “Megasport”
Date: November 8, 2026, 3:30 p.m. Moscow Time
Broadcasts: Match TV, Kinopoisk
The Rivalry
One of the most intense rivalries of recent years will resume in Moscow. Zenit, which historically has the best record against CSKA in the League, suffered a shutout loss to the Red-and-Blues in last season’s regular season—0–4.
The first official match between these bitter rivals in the 2025–26 season immediately became a classic. On October 12, 2025, in St. Petersburg, CSKA snatched victory thanks to a last-second shot by Anton Astapkovich—85–84. On November 23 in Moscow, it was another tense battle, and once again, the Muscovites came out on top—93–88.
In January, CSKA won 93–90, and in April, in the final regular-season matchup, they won 83–74. CSKA also eliminated Zenit in the semifinals of the WINLINE Basket Cup, hosted by the blue-white-and-blue team, with a score of 88–74.
The Situation
CSKA heads into the head-to-head matchup in first place with a seven-game winning streak (7-0). Zenit experienced some difficulties at the start of the season and has been bolstering its roster as the championship has progressed, but it currently holds a 6-2 record, trailing the league’s sole leader by a manageable margin.
Setbacks Against Direct Rivals
It is noteworthy that Zenit has suffered both of its losses in the current regular season on the road and exclusively in games against direct rivals in the “Big Four”—UNICS and Lokomotiv-Kuban. The away game in Moscow will be yet another road test for the St. Petersburg team against a top-tier opponent. Will the blue-white-and-blues be able to break this unpleasant trend and secure their first victory over this rival on its home court?
A Clash of Systems
CSKA relies on teamwork, discipline, versatility in positional offense, a deep bench that allows them to maintain a high tempo, and the individual talents of their stars.
Dusko Ivanovic’s Zenit emphasizes tight defense and fast breaks. The St. Petersburg team tries to impose physical contact on its opponent and minimize its own turnovers—both systems will face a serious test on Sunday.
The MVP Factor
An additional advantage for CSKA’s frontcourt comes from Livio Jean-Charles’s outstanding form. The French center was named the United League’s MVP for October. Over the course of his triumphant month, he averaged 15.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, along with an impressive efficiency rating of 23.3 points per game. Zenit’s defense should pay special attention to containing the key player from the start of the regular season in the three-second zone.
Melo Trimble vs. Markus Howard
The highlight of the match will be the duel between two players who are very similar—in playing style, physical build, and even appearance.
Zenit’s star rookie Markus Howard made a splash in his debut game for the St. Petersburg team at the WINLINE Basket Cup (33 points, already the tournament record), instantly declaring his ambitions as a sharpshooter. Now the top scorer in the EuroLeague and the Liga ACB for the 2023–24 season, is eager to confirm his elite status in a showdown against Zenit’s main rival—for him, this will be his VTB United League debut.
He’ll be up against CSKA’s leader, Melo Trimble—a master of lightning-fast drives and a cool-headed specialist at shattering opponents’ hopes in the closing minutes. The clash between these two “guns” on the backcourt promises to be the highlight of the evening.
Zenit’s star rookie Markus Howard:
– I know Duško Ivanović very well; I’ve played under him before. He believes in me, and I feel very comfortable in his basketball system; his approach to the game and the training process resonates with me. It’s a great honor for me to work with him again and be a part of Zenit.
Interesting Facts
Zenit (23.3 assists) leads the league in assists, while CSKA (21.0) ranks third.
Livio Jean-Charles (23.3 points) and Melo Trimble (21.3) are among the top four in the league in efficiency this season.
Georgy Zhbanov (2.4) leads the league in steals, with CSKA’s Ivan Ukhov (2.3) and Melo Trimble (2.1) trailing him in the top three.
Andre Roberson (8.0) and Livio Jean-Charles (7.6) round out the league’s top five in rebounds.
Direct quotes
CSKA Head Coach Andreas Pistiolis:
– This is a classic derby against a strong opponent. In my opinion, we’re about to face the best version of Zenit this season. We’ll have to overcome the challenge of a ten-day break without games. In any case, I’m confident the match will be a memorable one—both for the VTB United League and for the fans.
Zenit Head Coach Duško Ivanović:
–“We have a tough game ahead of us, as CSKA has won every single game since the start of the season. Right now, they are the best team. They’ve been playing together for many years, which is a major advantage. For our part, we will do everything we can to win. We’re preparing for a challenging match.”
