After the long break the Russian league is back with a massive clash as Krasnodar host Zenit in what looks like a proper title decider between the last two champions. Both sides have made it clear they want the crown this season and the stakes could not be higher for the home fans who are hoping their boys can stop the visitors from taking all three points.
Team Form
Krasnodar came out flying at the start of the campaign with six wins on the bounce but things have cooled off lately with three straight draws against sides they really should have beaten. The squad is stretched thin because of injuries and the return of striker John Cordoba has not yet brought goals so the attack looks blunt right now.
- Krasnodar unbeaten in nine but only three wins in the last six
- Zenit have lost three league games already which is well above their usual standard
- Zenit won four of their last five before the pause including a strong response after the loss to CSKA
Tactical Analysis
Zenit have started to play with more purpose in attack and are getting forward in numbers which should worry the Krasnodar defence that has looked shaky without its key men on the bench. Coach Murad Musaev has almost no options to change the game while Sergei Semak can rotate and bring fresh legs if things go wrong which gives the visitors a big edge in a long tense match.
History also leans towards Zenit who have only lost four times in thirty one meetings across all competitions so even on the road they know how to get results against this opponent. The limited squad at Krasnodar means any early setback could leave the home side with no way back.
Betting Proposal
My types for this one point to the away side getting something at least and I like the look of Zenit to win on the road at odds of 2.45. The double chance on Zenit not to lose also looks solid at 1.77 given their strong record and the home side injury worries.
Zenit win away or double chance on Zenit not to lose remains the smart play here as the visitors have more depth and recent momentum on their side.
