CSKA's Nigeria Star Ahead Of Showdown With Man Utd: Akinfeev As Good As De Gea

Nigeria international Aaron Samuel has admitted that CSKA Moscow's Champions League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night will be difficult and has stated that Russia number one goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is as good as his Spanish counterpart David de Gea.

David de Gea has earned rave reviews for his performance against Arsenal on Saturday, making fourteen saves in total, a joint-Premier League record he shares with former Newcastle United goalie Tim Krul and ex-Sunderland netminder Vito Mannone.

''We have a good goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, we believe in him. He's as good as De Gea. With the current situation, everybody is physically fit and ready for the game,'' said Aaron Samuel to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Asked about the chances of CSKA Moscow beating Manchester United, Samuel replied : ''It is a tight situation, the group is very dicey. Manchester United are three points ahead and want to finish in first position in the group.

''It is going to be difficult for us, Manchester United is a big team, we will do our best and see how it goes.''

Aaron Samuel could get game time against United as the Muscovites traveled to Manchester with only fifteen outfield players.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel