Russia and Argentina attempted to cast off the favorites' tag ahead of their Davis Cup quarter-final in Moscow.

Russia, led by No. 6-ranked Nikolay Davydenko, has not lost at home in the Davis Cup since its 1995 final defeat to the United States and has a 3-2 record against Argentina in the event.

With Argentina missing star players Juan Martin Del Potro and Juan Monaco, Russia looks to be in a good position ahead of the match, but captain Shamil Tarpischev said it would be tight.

"We are in an equal position in this tie," Tarpischev said. "Both teams have the same problems, so we will step on the court and try to do our best.

"We always play tough matches with Argentina. We win at home but lose away. Argentina is a team which has many players to choose from and has deserved to win a title for a long time."

Argentina captain Tito Vazquez said Russia had to be the favorite because of its 17-match winning streak in Moscow, which includes a victory over the south Americans in the 2006 final at the Olympic indoor stadium.

"A home team is usually a favorite in a tie," Vazquez said. "And statistically Russia is — it's unbeaten here in 17 ties. But I'm sure we will play our best."

Davydenko is fit again after a wrist injury and is joined in the Russia team by Mikhail Youzhny, Teimuraz Gabashvili and Igor Kunitsyn.

Argentina has called on three players - Horacio Zeballos, Eduardo Schwank and Leonardo Mayer - that helped it surprise Sweden in the first round in March. The experienced David Nalbandian is also in the team.

"We are happy to have David in the team," Vazquez said of the 28-year-old Nalbandian, who has slipped to No. 153 after a series of injuries.

"He is playing well and is in good shape. He also can give good advice to his teammates, who have played just one or two matches for the team."

Nalbandian, who has a 29-9 record in the Davis Cup, missed much of last season through injury and has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since April.