Zenit vs CSKA Prediction
🔊 Who will come out on top in the inaugural derby of the two capitals? Zenit are considered the favorites in this third-round clash of the Russian Premier League. However, they've already dropped points this season. Moreover, recent encounters with CSKA have proven challenging. Therefore, it would be unwise to underestimate the "Army Men," whose play is evolving under their new manager while maintaining defensive solidity. It's worth noting that the match will take place at the "Gazprom Arena" in Saint Petersburg.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over a stretch of 49 head-to-head matches, Zenit hold the advantage with a 49 percent win rate. However, last season they barely scraped a win in Moscow (1-0), and in Saint Petersburg, the teams settled for a draw (2-2). The sides later clashed in the final of the Russian Cup's RPL Path. At home, the "Blue-White-Sky Blues" secured a confident victory (2-0). Yet in the return leg, CSKA mirrored the scoreline with a stoppage-time goal and eventually clinched victory in the penalty shootout, later going on to lift the Russian Cup.
It's worth noting that Zenit's win in the Russian Cup was their only victory by more than one goal over a span of 10 head-to-head matches in Saint Petersburg. Currently, the Saint Petersburg side are not in top form; new signings haven't fully integrated, and there are questions surrounding the club's veterans. Therefore, betting on CSKA to win with a (+1.5) handicap might be a smart play.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Zenit Saint Petersburg Team Overview
⚪️ Zenit boasts a well-coordinated defense, yet this area has its challenges. While last season saw them keeping numerous clean sheets, they've conceded in their last three matches, though they remained unbeaten. For instance, in the opening round against Rostov, Zenit conceded early but transformed impressively in the second half to turn the game around and secure three points at home (2-1). In their clash with Rubin, it was the opposite; Sergei Semak's squad dominated the first 45 minutes, establishing a two-goal lead. After the break, they played well but failed to capitalize on their chances, unlike their opponents, who leveled the score (2-2).
🏆 This week, Zenit kicked off their Russian Cup campaign with a match against Akhmat in Grozny. Having won all head-to-head encounters last season, they extended their winning streak (2-1). Notably, the last two games in Grozny ended with the same scoreline. Once again, Zenit delivered two contrasting halves. In the first half, they dominated and netted twice within the first eight minutes. In the second half, they retreated and didn't manage a single shot on Akhmat's goal.
Match Results: Zenit Saint Petersburg
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
🔴 After clinching the Russian Super Cup, CSKA should have gained a boost in confidence. However, their opening RPL fixture against Orenburg revealed that the "Army Men" lack the depth to close out such opponents, ending in a goalless draw. Yet, this was their only slip-up as a week later, the "Red-Blues" overcame Akhmat (2-1), despite conceding the first goal. It's hard to say they fully earned the victory, but circumstances played in their favor as Danil Krugovoy scored twice in first-half stoppage time.
🏆 In the Russian Cup, CSKA hosted Lokomotiv, who were sitting at the top of the RPL standings. This time, it was the "Army Men" who struck first after half an hour of play. However, midway through the second half, the "Railwaymen" equalized through a penalty. Fabio Celestini's side quickly regained the lead (2-1), with Kirill Glebov emerging as the hero of the match, contributing an assist and netting the winning goal.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
Latest news
Zenit Saint Petersburg
🎙 Sergei Semak commented on Zenit's victory over Akhmat in the Russian Cup: “It was a solid cup match, and we scored some great goals. I think the penalty awarded against us added some intrigue. We're preparing for the upcoming matches. The guys did well. A 2-0 lead is not enough of an advantage because one team takes risks and does everything to score. If they score, they throw everything into changing the course of the match and pushing for a draw. The penalty certainly made us nervous, but the guys handled it well.”
❌ In the upcoming match, Vyacheslav Karavaev and Bogdan Moskvichev will be sidelined due to injuries. Sasa Zdjelar made his season debut, playing 16 minutes against Akhmat. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique missed the second round of the RPL. He's currently training separately from the team, and his participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain.
CSKA Moscow
🎙 Fabio Celestini expressed his pride in his team following their victory over Lokomotiv in the Russian Cup: "I can say that I am very proud of the guys; the team showed character. There were two distinct halves. I liked how the team fought and battled, showing their true selves. I'm truly very proud."
📝 CSKA's defense ranks among the most reliable in the RPL. However, two defenders have decided to leave the team. Willian Rocha is set to join Al-Jazira, while Kellven is moving to Palmeiras. Additionally, Maksim Mukhin has transferred to Sochi on loan. CSKA have also made some acquisitions. The club has brought in Lionel Verde on loan from Union Santa Fe and are soon to announce the signing of Di Luciano from Banfield. The "Army Men" are also expecting Daniel Ruiz from Millonarios and Mateus Gonçalves Martinez from Flamengo.
🚑 Rodrigo Villagra and Artyom Shumansky will miss the upcoming match due to injuries.
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
The main referee for the match is Artem Chistyakov. Last season, he officiated 18 matches in the RPL, averaging 3.89 yellow cards per game with an average foul count of 29.94. He issued four red cards and awarded penalties in eight matches.
This season, CSKA hold the advantage in yellow cards (2 compared to 1.7). On average, matches involving these teams see more than four yellow cards, though most are received by CSKA's and Zenit's opponents. Considering the referee's stats, a bet on under 4.5 total yellow cards seems worth considering.
⚽️ Goal Prediction
CSKA have scored in 12 of their last 13 RPL matches, with the exception being against Orenburg, where they still managed an expected goals tally of 1.56. On the flip side, Zenit have conceded in every match this season, including in the Russian Cup. Therefore, a bet on a CSKA goal appears reasonable.
🚩 Corner Prediction
This season, CSKA have been taking more corners (6 compared to 4.3). In head-to-head matches, they rarely exceed three corners. However, with a new coach and mentality, things could change. Zenit matches average nine corners, while CSKA's see 10.3. Thus, betting on over 8.5 total corners seems justified, especially since this bet has come through in six head-to-head games at the Gazprom Arena in the RPL.
Editor's Prediction
Zenit are the favorites for the upcoming clash, boasting a stronger squad, though their form is far from ideal. CSKA could very well snatch some points, but a victory seems unlikely. A draw, such as a 1-1 scoreline, would suffice for the visitors.
This season, Zenit have yet to play a match with two halves at the same level of performance; one half invariably falters. For instance, they lost the first half against Rostov and the second half to Rubin and Akhmat. The "Army Men" will likely capitalize on this inconsistency. Thus, our key bet is - CSKA to score.
Betting Tips: Zenit Saint Petersburg - CSKA Moscow
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