Tarpishchev, who has guided the Russians to two Davis Cup titles since 2002, said he had left out his top player, the world number four, for tactical reasons.

Dmitry Tursunov, ranked 34th in the world, will take on American number one Andy Roddick in Friday's first match at Memorial Coliseum.

Mikhail Youzhny, the world number 19 who was nominated by Tarpishchev as Russia's leading player for the three-day tie, will meet James Blake in the second match.

"It's very simple," Tarpishchev told a news conference after the official draw ceremony. "We have four equal players and the choice of Youzhny was made for tactical reasons.

"We have a strong team and they are all versatile," he added, speaking through an interpreter. "With this team, we have won two Davis Cups and we hope to do well again this week."

Davydenko's dismal career record of five losses to Roddick played a significant part in Tarpishchev's strategy, which was apparently relayed to his team only on Thursday.

"I learned only a couple of minutes ago at the draw ceremony," Tursunov said of his match against Roddick whom he beat in five thrilling sets in last year's semi-final. "It is the captain's Christmas gift to me."

Tursunov, who has a 1-2 win-loss record against Roddick, felt his victory on the clay of Moscow last year would have no bearing on this week's battle on a fast, indoor surface.

"It's going to be played on a totally different surface so it's going to be quite different," he said.

Saturday's doubles match will pit the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, against Davydenko and Igor Andreev, although the Russian line-up could be changed before then.

In Sunday's reverse singles, Roddick is scheduled to face Youzhny with Blake coming up against Tursunov.

Russia, who beat Argentina in last year's final in Moscow, have lost to the U.S. twice in three Davis Cup ties.

The Americans, winners of a record 31 Davis Cup titles, have not triumphed since 1995.