Zenit vs Gent Prediction and Preview – 29/09/15
Champions League preview – Zenit vs Gent prediction
The only injury concern for Zenit ahead of this game is Oleg Shatov but he may be available, at least for a place on the bench. If Shatov fails to make it, there could be some re-organising to do in the Zenit team, with Domenico Criscito coming in to play at left-back.
Erik Johansson is definitely out for Gent through injury and they also have to contend with the suspension of both Thomas Foket and Brecht Dejaegere, who were sent off in the previous Champions League match against Lyon. Benito Raman and Rami Gerhson could come in to replace the suspended pair.
Possible Line-ups
Zenit: 4-2-3-1 formation: Lodygin; Anyukov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito; Garcia, Witsel; Hulk, Danny, Smolnikov; Dzyuba
Gent: 4-2-3-1 formation: Sels; Gershon, Mitrovic, Nielsen, Asare; Kums, Neto; Raman, Milicevic, Simon; Depoitre
Statistics
- Zenit have won 4, drawn 4 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Gent have won 4 and drawn 5 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Zenit have scored an average of 1.6 goals and conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Gent have scored an average of 1.7 goals and conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Zenit’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Gent’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Zenit made the perfect start to their Champions League campaign, defeating Valencia away in what is probably their toughest match of the group. That match was 1 of 5 unbeaten for Zenit coming in to this meeting with Gent and the Russian’s will be confident of making it maximum points from their two games played. However, there have been some signs of unrest amongst the ranks at Zenit and the away team could take advantage of it.
That being said, Gent are untried in European football’s top competition and are very inexperienced when it comes to playing Champions League matches, especially away from home. The point they claimed at home to Lyon will give them confidence plus they are unbeaten in 12 competitive games this season, winning the last 3 domestically.
On the face of it, this should go down as a comfortable win for Zenit but Gent could make them work very hard for anything they get.
Tips
Zenit to win at 9/20 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Zenit to win by 1 goal at 11/4 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Hulk to score anytime and Zenit to win 2-1 at 12/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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