Zenit St.Petersburg - Unirea
Champions' League 3rd qualifying round, 2nd leg
Wednesday, 4th August 2010. Kickoff 18:30

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20 games for Spalletti in charge of Zenit and still 0 defeats. A draw might eliminate them here, though, so for the first time in a while Russian giants will be put under pressure of producing a certain result everyone is waiting for.

Central defender Ivica Krizanac is out of the match for sure. Offensive units Danko Lazovic and Vladimir Bystrov are major doubts, with the latter being carried off at the week-end on a stretcher.Russian explosive winger will pass a late fitness test on Wednesday to estimate his chances of making the squad.

As the game shows Zenit is indifferent towards who is on the injury list. They are playing like a strong mechanism where certain parts can be equally replaced at any point. Week-end win against Rubin was virtually earned without Bystrov as he was taken off on the 34th minute.

I expect Zenit to play a 4-1-4-1 formation with Denisov being the only defensive midfielder on the pitch. Shirokov and Zyrianov will be everywhere rolling from box to box.

This will be a rather one-sided preview as my knowledge of Romanian football is somewhat average. Unirea offered the type of football Zenit doesn’t like to receive from opponent.

Despite having the numerical disadvantage for almost 60 minutes Romanians stood firm in defense. This result should give them a major confidence boost as they’re now aware Zenit can be stopped even under the most difficult circumstances.

The test at Petrovsky stadium in front of roaring fans will of course test Unirea’s level of intimidation. But something tells me the Romanian side will not crack easily.

Unirea will defend in numbers hoping to take something from rare counter attacks and set-pieces.

Betting advice

History seems to be repeating itself with Zenit on the verge of purchasing Bruno Alves from Porto for around 20 mln. Euros to use him in CL, whereas the qualification has not been yet secured.

Overconfidence can play a bad trick. Last year Zenit was eliminated by Portuguese minnows Nacional in Europa League play-offs. On that day big celebrations were scheduled to honor the departure of Dick Advocaat.

A year has passed and I see Zenit is running ahead of the train again.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Under 2.50 @ 1.85 with Bet365;

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Unirea (+1.50) @ 1.90 with Bet365;