Europa League Preview: Zenit St. Petersburg - Girondins

In the last rounds preview, Richard Pike mentioned that October and November always prove difficult months for Zenit.

READ MORE: Zenit and the Winter Curse

Such teams as Zenit have always had troubles after an international break. On Sunday, the Petersburgers played away against Dinamo Moscow and lost to their rivals 0-1 after a reckless Driussi sending off.

But the main news for Zenit came outside the pitch. While players were going on national duty, Kokorin with his best friend Mamaev after Zenit – Krasnodar (2-1) made a crazy trip in Moscow and attacked numerous others. They are now both now in prison awaiting a hearing.

Tactical Analysis

Semak is continuing to switch between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. I think he will more often utilize the formation with two defensive midfielders for the most efficient usage of Paredes, one of the best RPL players, and Italian star Marchisio.

As plan B, to reinforce the play at the end of the match Semak has the “Two Towers” option with Dzyuba and Zabolotny up top.

In defence, the line wing-backs actively support attacks.

Team News

As we mentioned above, Zenit have lost Kokorin. During the last match, Kuzyaev got hit in the head and was substituted. It looked like concussion. If it was really so, he should miss next 1-2 weeks.

Argentine central defender Emmanuel Mammana recovered from his ACL injury and continues to build up his match fitness. He played 20 minutes in the Cup of Russia match against Volgar and then was on the bench at the weekend.

In the last two matches, Evgeni Chernov has featured ahead of Elmir Nabiullin at left back. Traditionally we expect that veteran Anyukov will receive playing time as usual in Europa League matches.

Key Players

Branislav Ivanovic – The veteran central defender remains a key player for Zenit despite his advancing years. Branislav usually plays as a centre-back but he can even play as energy consuming wing-back. With perfect heading he is reliable in own box and is dangerous in opponent’s box, Ivanovic was the best player of the Neva’s side against Dinamo. He attacked and dribbled against younger opponents effectively and he created the best scoring chance for Dzyuba.

Leandro Paredes – The Argentine midfielder is the best player in the defensive midfield position in the RPL. He did not play against Dinamo due to late his arrival from national team duty. Undoubtedly he could reverse this match in favour of Zenit. The effective passing of the Argentinian playmaker can cut through any defence and he is the midfield lynchpin of the side.

Artem Dzyuba – The best forward in the RPL is Zenit’s main weapon in attack. Good strength, the ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play, accurate finishing and good heading ability make Dzyuba the complete striker. In the international break, Artem played 180 minutes for the Sbornaya.

Predicted Line-Up

4-2-3-1: Lunev – Chernov, Ivanovic, Neto, Anyukov – Paredes, Marchisio – Driussi, Erokhin, Mak –Dyzuba

Prediction

Before the start of the group stage, Bordeaux were considered as favourites. But after two losses, the side’s chances for promotion became much worse. Matches against Zenit are last opportunity to return in the battle for the French. Mind, Bordeaux usually plays well against Russian clubs (five wins and only one loss in eight matches).

Blue–White-Sky Blues have never lost to a French side in St. Petersburg (three wins in five matches). The side is very motivated to prove that their winter curse is over and they can overcome recent off-field troubles to move towards European progression.

Zenit 2-1 Bordeaux

Author: Vitaly Leonov

Football fan. Former reporter and chief-editor of the Inform Agency PESKI.RU (www.peski.ru). I like travel and visit stadiums and attend matches in Europe. CSKA Moscow fan.

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