Aleksandr Spivak tips Zenit St. Petersburg to top their UEFA Champions League group
Zenit St. Petersburg have been drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk, Apoel FC and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. As things stand, Zenit are at the second spot on the group table.
Former St. Petersburg club midfielder Aleksandr Spivak has revealed his opinion that the Meshki are favourites to lead the group table despite their opening day defeat against Apoel.
The Russian outfit recovered well from the defeat to thrash Porto 3-1 at home and they now play Ukrainian Premier League champions, Shakhtar, in the upcoming tie.
“I am interested in Zenit performances. Their quality of football and team spirit of the game against Porto was loaded with confidence and optimism. I think if Spalletti plays his team like he did against the Portuguese, there will be no problems. While
Shakhtar a very strong team, Zenit still look better and are the favourites. ” The former SK Odessa player was quoted as saying.
The 36-year-old praised Zenit’s performance against the defending UEFA Europa League champions and reiterated that the Bomzhi can outplay any opponent coming their way.
Spivak revealed that Zenit are playing quality football under the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 tactician, and they are going to progress to the later stages of the Champions League.
The former FC Stal Alchevsk player admitted that the Miners have brilliant attackers and highlighted the Brazilian pair of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Willian-c36898, that can cause problems for Zenit stoppers.
Paying tribute to both set of fans, Spivak said:
“Zenit fans are fantastic, they are more active, inventive, they varied the chant and in general, the atmosphere at the "Petrovsky" is outstanding. But I believe Donbass Arena is ready to host a well known European threat.”
Spivak admitted that he has a special place in his heart for the Russian outfit and is keen to watch the match in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032. The Russian national had recorded 61 appearances for the Moles before finishing his playing career at the St. Petersburg club.
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