Russian Davis Cup player Igor Andreev believes that home advantage rather than playing surface may be the difference between Argentina and Russia as they clash at the Estadio Parque Roca in Buenos Aires this weekend.

“The crowd will be important,” Andreev told reporters ahead of the forthcoming Davis Cup semi-fina. “The surface is not an advantage for them, but their people are.”

With Mikhail Youznhy out through injury and Marat Safin absent due to ATP Tour commitments, Andreev will be required to step up to the challenge of taking on either Juan Martin del Potro or David Nalbandian in the singles matches this weekend.

“I played Del Potro once and lost this year in Munich. I have not played Nalbandian,” Adreev said. “Del Potro is playing in great form and he has recently won four tournaments in a row, so he has confidence ahead of the tie. David is not enjoying his best form but he is a very dangerous player anyway. He can be back to his best at any moment.”

Despite the challenges facing the weakened Russian team, Andreev believes that they have what it takes to progress to the Davis Cup final for the third consecutive year.

“It will be extremely tough because Argentina have great players and their fans will be behind them,” he said. “However, we have a good team too and we’ll surely battle until the end. We feel we can win.”