Zenit Saint Petersburg – FC Utrecht PREDICTION & TIPS
Zenit St. Petersburg
The defeat in the first leg in the Netherlands came as a surprise to many. And for several reasons. On the one hand, Zenit has strengthened itself well and prominently, such as names such as Paredes or Mammana. Also the mixture of young and experienced players is right in the squad of the team of star coach Roberto Mancini. Last but not least, the start of the season in the Russian Premier League was almost perfect. After seven games, the team was held at 19 points, so they were able to cheer over six victories and played a single draw. Accordingly, the defeat against Ultrecht was only the second in the still young season. The 3rd qualifying round, which should also serve as the biggest warning, is shown by the fact that it seems to be more difficult to do so internationally than in the league. For the Israeli supporters Bnel Yehuda, the Russian start group lost the home game with a 0: 1, but could still save themselves with a 2-0 away from the next round to the next round. In the home game, it was mainly problems with the goal to achieve the goal, had actually already laid the foundation for the ascent there. However, none of the 11 good scoring opportunities could be converted into countable numbers. Zenit was also clearly better in all other statistics. However, they bite their teeth on a defensively enormously stable opponent. Ultrecht can be expected to do the same thing, although the Dutch will be likely to lead the runners-up with high balls, as was the case with the Israeli representatives. The last two home games in the league have shown that one has to be at home for many goals. Against Grozny Zenit won 4-0, against last year’s champion Spartak Moscow even with 5: 1. All in all, you have more than twice the number of hits in your own stadium. However, the first-leg victory of the Dutch was anything but undefeated, Ultrecht surprised Zenit with a refreshing offensive tactics, could still have scored one goal or another.
FC Ultrecht
If you speak at Zenit of a successful start in the league season, you have to do so also at the FC Ultrecht. The team of Coach Erik ten Hag is still one of five teams in the Eredivisie without losing points, so the first two seasons have won. This circumstance is somewhat relativized by the fact that ADO Den Haag (3-0) and Willem II (2-0) have not had any big caliber to their opponents. Still, three games in a row without a hit should be enough for St. Petersburg warning. On a compact defensive, it will also come in the reverse. Untypical for a Dutch team, Ultrecht usually operates in a 4-2-2 system, less on dynamics than on controlled gameplay. That one also the fast changeover is mastered, however, has proved the first leg. However: Away this season on the international stage have already been heavily weakened against significantly weaker teams. For example, the goalless draw against the Maltese club Valetta or the 2: 2 against Lech Posen. The fact that the ten Hag squad survived five out of seven mandatory games 2017/2018 without conceding, is still worthy of all honor. Bitter: The coach has to do without some important player on Thursday. Anouar Kali and Rico Stieder are injured in the defensive midfielder, and Chris David and Patrick Joosten meet in the attack division. Ultrecht can hope for a real goal scorer. Cyriel Dessers is in an impressive early form, has already scored three goals in two assignments in the Dutch league and thus proved to be a top new entry. Speaking of newcomer: Simon Maldenok also has a flat attack in the attack center. Nevertheless, in the sovereignty that Ultrecht most recently showed against Willem II, something should also be possible in St. Petersburg, because the victory on the second Eredivisie matchday was never really in danger.
Zenit Saint Petersburg – FC Utrecht FREE TIPS
1/1 HT/FT @ 1.90
Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80
