It will mark the third-straight season in which the Russian capital has hosted World Cup aerials competition at the huge scaffold set-up outside the city centre. 

Australia's Scott currently lies on 402 points, just two more than Xu of China.

Scott had enjoyed a victory and three second place finishes so far this season. 

But Xu has been in equally superb form in taking five podium positions from five starts.

Third overall currently belongs to Scott’s teammate Lydia Lassila and the 35-year-old mother-of-two who has won two of the last three legs.

There is less to play for on the men's side after China’s Qi Guangpu secured his second career World Cup aerials title with a week to space after finishing second last week in Minsk.

This took the two-time reigning world champion to 440 points - 132 clear of his nearest rival.

Reigning Olympic champion Anton Kushnir of Belarus lies second overall after returning to competition this season.

He has won three of the four events he has participated in.

United States' Mac Bohonnon lies third overall on 288.

Both finals are scheduled for tomorrow.