LOS ANGELES - Holders Russia are banking on recent form while hosts the United States will pin their hopes on home advantage in this week's Davis Cup final.

Marat Safin (L) listens to Russia's team captain Shamil Tarpishchev during a training session in Moscow, November 29, 2006. Tarpishchev, whose team faces the United States in this weekend's Davis Cup final, compares his job to that of a national soccer team manager before an important World Cup or Euro qualifier. [Agencies] Spearheaded by world number four Nikolay Davydenko, the Russians will be hunting their third Davis Cup title in six years when the three-day tie starts on Friday in Portland, Oregon.

Although the Americans are widely regarded as slight favourites on the slick, indoor surface at Memorial Coliseum, Russia have clearly established a winning formula in the sport's showpiece men's team event.

"I think a team of great coaches the Russians have had is a big factor," said captain Shamil Tarpishchev, who guided Russia to Davis Cup success over Argentina in last year's final in Moscow.

"We have a good foundation so I'm optimistic about the next five to six years."

Apart from Davydenko, Russia will be represented by world number 19 Mikhail Youzhny, Igor Andreev (33rd) and Dmitry Tursunov (34th).

However, Tarpishchev concedes the Americans will be difficult to beat on home soil.

"They have home-court advantage and we'll be playing on a fast surface, which suits both of their singles players (Andy Roddick and James Blake)," he told Reuters.

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