Spartak Moscow

Guillermo Abascal managed to drastically improve Spartak Moscow's fortunes last season as they got back in the top four with a third-place finish. The future of star forward Quincy Promes continues to be unclear due to his ongoing legal issues. He was their best player last season and, if he is unable to play, he would be a big miss. That makes sense as to why two key signings have come in to add some more firepower in the form of Theo Bongonda and Jesus Medina. The wingers have joined for substantial fees to help push Spartak closer to Zenit. There haven't been too many departures. Maximiliano Caufriez has left the club but he was already out on loan for the second half of last season. Other than that, Spartak have only shifted squad players and have managed to keep the squad intact from last year. Going forward is where Spartak will be at their best. That is if Bongonda can settle in quickly. However, Medina should make an instant impact after scoring eight goals for CSKA Moscow last year. Alexander Sobolev will be the main man up top once again. There aren't too many weaknesses for Spartak. The squad looks well-balanced. However, they will have to improve at the back if they are going to challenge for the title and that department has yet to see any reinforcements.