Russian League
2009-09-26 - Zenit St. Petersburg vs CSKA. Moscow
A Sports Betting Pick by Pantocrator
Football: Russian Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 26th September 2009 - 12:00
Zenit St. Petersburg
After winning in Samara against Krylia Sovetov 1-0 thanks to a goal by Vladimir Bystrov. Russian national team winger is on target for a third game in a row since joining from Spartak Moscow.
This time the miniature player put the ball with a close range header and was taken off at halftime due to a minor muscular problem. He has been suffering from this injury throughout the season.
Zenit was short of Alessandro Rosina and Radek Sirl, who were last minute casualties. Moreover suspended Alexander Anyukov also stayed in St. Petersburg. Despite some absentees caretaker Anatoly Davydov got a 3rd win in a row to lift Zenit close to the top 3, which is probably club’s main objective for the season since the poor start with Dick Advocaat.
The match against CSKA will be the first real challenge for Anatoly Davydov. Games against the likes of Rostov, Amkar and destroyed Krylia Sovetov are nothing compared to what they will be up against on Saturday.
CSKA Moscow
CSKA have improved a little under Juande Ramos and adopted a tendency to provide sublime second half performances.
It turns out that they are yet to lose a single second 45 minutes after 3 goals against Krylia Sovetov and Dinamo Moscow (in 2 previous Premier League rounds) and 1 goal scored in Wolfsburg. Of course it is nothing but a coincidence and soon the trend will be stopped.
Specialists have been looking into the difference between Zico’s and Juane Ramos’ approach. One of main subjects is Spaniards trust in the prodigy Alan Dzagoev, who has found his last years’ form under the new manager. Another wise move is the inclusion of youngster Nika Piliev. The left winger was invited from Lokomotiv Moscow as a free agent after his contract expired. And only Ramos arrival has given the chance to a really talented player.
But it's not been so positive for everybody in CSKA’s squad- striker Moussa Maazu criticized Juande Ramos for not naming him in the 18 player squad for the Champions League clash against Wolfsburg. As a result Niger international has been axed from the first team.
Betting advice
First of all I'd like to point out, that there is no favorite in this match, so the -0.25 hp on Zenit is wrong by my estimation.
Second, the battle of coaches. Anatoly Davydov against Juande Ramos. I think they are from different weight categories. Even though the Russian might posess more knowledge about his team and players, Juande is into his 4th week with CSKA and should be quite well aware of who he has in stock.
There is value betting on away side.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take CSKA Moscow (+0.25) @ 2.01
You can possibly wait until the odds get higher as the public is with Zenit here.
You can possibly wait until the odds get higher as the public is with Zenit here.
