Russia will start favourites to beat their former Cold War adversaries the US and reach the Davis Cup final when the sides lock horns this weekend.

Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny, fresh from reaching the US Open semi-finals earlier this month, head a powerful Russian side seeking revenge for defeats in 1995 and 1998.

The 1995 defeat was particularly painful for Russia, coming in the final played on red clay in Moscow's Olympic Complex when Pete Sampras won all three of his matches.

Sampras is long retired but in Andy Roddick, runner-up at the US Open to Roger Federer after beating Youzhny, the visitors have a formidable competitor capable of inflicting more heartache on the Russians.

Former world No.1 Marat Safin, who along with California resident Dmitry Tursunov completes the Russia team, is confident his country can reach their first final since winning their maiden Davis Cup title in 2002.

"We have a really strong team," said Safin, who also reached the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. "With the team we have right now we should be pretty confident that we can beat any team out there."

US captain Patrick McEnroe believes his side are underdogs even though, as well as a rejuvenated Roddick, they boast the world's best doubles duo in twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan.

"No doubt, the Russians had a very good US Open, but so did our team," said McEnroe.

"Obviously, playing here in Moscow makes it difficult for us. It's a tougher surface for us and it probably makes us slight underdogs, but we have enough experience on our team and it's going to be a very close match."

Roddick, who will share singles duties with world No.9 and US Open quarter-finalist James Blake, said he had consulted 14-times grand slam winner Sampras about the tie, which, as in 1995, will be played on clay.

"I've just asked him for some advice," the big-serving Texan said.

"I've never been to Moscow before and, obviously, I wanted to know what the stadium was like and what the atmosphere was.

"It wasn't a long conversation, just a small talk, but I appreciated all the help I could get."

In some ways McEnroe's job is easier than his Russian counterpart Shamil Tarpishchev's in that he knows in advance who will play singles and doubles.

"I don't have to be a genius like Mr Tarpishchev to pick my team," he said.

Tarpishchev is keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I'm only going to name my players on Thursday morning, just before the draw," he said. "Any one of the four guys could play the singles. It depends on who will be in better physical form by then."

The winners will face either Argentina or Australia, who meet in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires, in the December final.

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