Zenit vs RB Leipzig
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 15 March 2018
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK
Venue: Stadion Krestovskyi (St Petersburg).
Zenit are at 31/20 to win, a draw is at 23/10, and an RB Leipzig win is at 17/10.
In domestic play, these two sides are not in too dissimilar circumstances. They are each in the chasing pack in regards to the Champions League spots, but Zenit still do have a chance, albeit a small one, of moving up and clinching an unlikely title victory. They have three teams to jump over just to get to second and try to make a play on leaders Lokomotiv. Leipzig, along with everyone else not named Bayern, are out of the title running. But they are embroiled in a fierce battle for UCL places right now, and every result is crucial in that race.
Unlike many years recently, Zenit did not begin their European excursions in the Champions League. Instead, they have been in this competition for the entirety of the season. They won two ties just to book their place in the group, and from there they went on to advance out of a fairly tough group that included Real Sociedad, Rosenborg, and Vardar in it. In the last round, they overcame Celtic after a poor first leg due to a great effort in the second to win 3-1 on aggregate. RB Leipzig come into this match having dropped out of the Champions League. This is the first year of any European involvement for them after finishing second in the Bundesliga last season, and they did fairly well in a UCL group with Besiktas, FC Porto, and a disappointing Monaco team to move on. In the last round, they upset Napoli over two legs by clinging on at home after a loss in that second leg.
In all comps, Zenit have a home record consisting of 11 wins, four draws, and just three losses this season. Two of the losses were in Russian Prem play, while the other was a loss to Israeli side Bnei Yehuda in UEL qualification. They are unbeaten in the last six in St. Petersburg, and had won five straight before a draw last time out with Amkar Perm. Leipzig's away record this term has included seven wins, three draws, and eight losses. It doesn't look great on paper, but they have beaten Borussia Dortmund, Monaco, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Napoli, so they know how to beat bigger teams away from home or to at least get results.
Zenit to move on is at 2/1 via Ladbrokes.
Zenit vs RB Leipzig Prediction
Zenit will have to know that they have stepped up a class in competition with Leipzig. Coming from behind against Celtic is one thing, but the German side will not be nearly as easy to dismantle. Leipzig, with that lightning quick counterattack, do enough to move on.
Zenit vs RB Leipzig: Head-to-head
RB Leipzig have picked up a 2-1 victory in their first ever meeting with Zenit.
Goals came from Bruma and Timo Werner, while Domenico Criscito was the only Zenit’s man on the scoresheet seven days ago.
Zenit vs RB Leipzig: Bet Tips
Under 2.5 goals FT @ 1.95
Zenit to win 1-0 @ 9.00
HEAD TO HEAD
Last week's 2-1 win for RB Leipzig in the first leg was the first time these sides met.
ZENIT VS RB LEIPZIG STATS
Zenit have seen at least three goals in 100% of their Europa League home games this season.
64% of RB Leipzig’s last 11 away matches in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored.
