Many in Russia will be looking to CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev (pictured) to provide the inspiration when Russia take on Slovenia in game 2 of their clash for a berth to World Cup 2010 in South Africa tonight. If Russia win and Akinfeev keeps his slate clean, he could in the process grow the gap between him and his rivals in the FTBL ranking of Russian goalkeepers.

Akinfeev is Russia's best goalkeeper in the FTBL ranking at the moment with a score of 67.37 points, but his is less than 1 rating points ahead of his most immediate rival Sergei Ryzhikov (66.34 points) of Rubin Kazan, the current leaders in the Russian Premier League.

Since Akinfeev is certain to play against Slovenia, unlike Ryzhikov, he has a perfect opportunity to build a solid lead; he will go into the game with a guaranteed bonus of 3.53 points and could earn as much as 20 rating points in the FTBL system if he produces a strong performance and Russia win.