Zenit St. Petersburg vs. FC Porto – UEFA Champions League preview
Zenit St. Petersburg will face FC Porto in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday 28, 2011. The Blues and Whites are currently leading group G while Zenit are at the bottom following their opening day defeat to FC Apoel.
The Bomzhi are playing at home and would be hoping to play entertaining and offensive football in order to claim the much needed three points at Petrovsky stadium.
Zenit St. Petersburg
Zenit have regained their winning momentum after back-to-back Russian Premier League wins against FC Tom Tomsk and Rubin Kazan, but they have still a lot to prove in the Champions League if they are to progress to the later stages of the European tournament.
Having already lost the opening match of the cup tournament, Zenit are desperate to show their skills in front of their home crowd. Head coach Luciano Spalletti played three central defenders against the Cypriot First Division club but failed to claim a point away from home.
In their last four outings, the Meshki have conceded 8 goals while scoring 10 themselves – not a good defensive record. Spalletti had been criticised over his recent change of tactics and he now has a chance to prove his critics wrong.
FC Porto
Going into this crunch group stage game, Porto are far from being in their prime form. The Portistas have recorded successive draws against the newly promoted club, CD Feirense, and arch rivals, Benfica, in the Portuguese Liga.
Being the defending champions of UEFA Europa League, the Portuguese club have a psychological edge over other teams in their respective group. FC Porto have managed to score 14 goals and have conceded 5 goals in their last six league meetings.
The Dragons manager, Vítor Pereira, would be hoping to get a point after claiming a win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous European clash.
Team news
Zenit welcome Vladimir Bystrov and Aleksandr Anyukov as the duo has recovered in time from. Vyacheslav Malafeev will pass a late fitness test in order to get a deserved chance in the European clash.
Bruno Alves is set to miss this fixture after picking up a red card against FC Apoel. His absence will have a deep impact on the team defence.
Expected Zenit Line-up:
Viacheslav Malafeev; Nicolas Lombaerts, Domenico Criscito, Aleksandar Lukovic, Aleksandr Anyukov; Roman Shirokov, Miguel Danny, Igor Denisov, Viktor Fayzulin; Danko Lazovic, Aleksandr Kerzhakov.
There are no pressing injury concerns for the Portuguese Liga champions. Vitor Pereira would have the luxury of choosing from a full strength squad.
Expected FC Porto Line-up:
Helton; Maicon, Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Pereira, Jorge Fucile; Joao Moutinho, James Rodríguez, Steven Defour, Fernando; Kleber, Hulk
Key players
Zenit St. Petersburg’s ultimate goal machine, Aleksandr Kerzhakov, is in fine scoring form. He has scored 14 goals so far this season and can prove to be a nightmare for the Dragoes defenders.
Roman Shirokov is also looking very sharp and has managed to score three goals from their previous four league ties.
For Porto, Hulk is the man to watch out for. The Brazilian national has already opened his Champions League scoring account by with a 35-yard stunner of a free-kick against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Predictions
Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 FC Porto
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