Spartak Moscow

Spartak Moscow had a very strong run of form in the spring but ultimately it all felt a bit flat and underwhelming by the end as a couple of mixed results saw them finish fourth in the standings. It was just about acceptable of an outcome for new coach Dejan Stankovic but he is well aware that expectations will be set a lot higher for him in the coming season and a genuine tilt at the title is expected from the passionate Red and Whites fans. Spartak have been noticeable in their lack of genuine transfer activity so far as they seem to be keeping their powder dry for later in the window as they aim to add options across the squad. It looks quite good in some areas but lacked genuine cover in some and it is undeniable that more work is needed to make then capable of combating at the very top. Manfred Ugalde, the standout from last season, is widely expected to be sold and that should open the door for Levi Garcia to take the mantle up front. There are some very good options in the wide areas in Ezequiel Barco and Theo Bongonda but the midfield remains a bit more of an issue and a void that needs to be filled. Overall, Spartak are likely to be up there with the top teams but their celling at the moment looks unclear and depends a lot on whom of the many ambitious targets they manage to bring.