The Matchday 30 clash in the Russian Premier League between Zenit and Akhmat will take place on May 24 at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg. Zenit vs. Akhmat: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's side overcame Rostov in their last away match (1-0). As a result, Zenit extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches (6 wins, 2 draws). However, in 4 of their last 5 RPL games, the club has not scored more than one goal. The team has accumulated 63 points and remains in second place in the standings, trailing leaders Krasnodar by one point. Notably, Zenit has displayed solid defensive play, conceding the fewest goals in the league this season—18.
- The team has not lost in 13 of their last 15 home matches in the RPL (10 wins, 3 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the club's last 8 home league matches.
- Zenit has scored exactly one or two goals in 7 of their last 10 home Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Evgeny Latyshonok – Yuri Gorshkov, Vanja Drkusic, Nino, Douglas Santos – Gustavo Mantuan, Wilmar Barrios, Maxim Glushenkov, Pedro Henrique, Luis Henrique – Alexander Sobolev.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev and midfielder Wendel will miss the game due to injuries.
Akhmat
In the previous round, Sergei Tashuev's side drew 1-1 with Dynamo Makhachkala at home. This result extended Akhmat's winless streak in the RPL to five matches (2 draws, 3 losses). However, in 11 of their last 13 league matches, the club has not conceded more than one goal. Akhmat has 25 points, placing them 14th in the standings. The team has avoided direct relegation but will not rise above 13th place and will play in the playoffs against a First League representative.
- The club has not won in their last seven away RPL matches (3 draws, 4 losses).
- The team has scored exactly one or two goals in 5 of their last 7 away league matches.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Akhmat's last 8 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-4-2)
Vadim Ulyanov – Leo Goglichidze, Alexander Zhirov, Turpal-Ali Ibishev, Darko Todorovic – Vladislav Kamilov, Lechi Sadulaev, Ismael Silva, Amin Talal – Maxim Samorodov, Georgy Melkadze.
Midfielder Daniil Utkin will miss the game due to injury.
Zenit vs. Akhmat: Match Prediction
Sergei Semak's side needs to win this match to keep their championship hopes alive, so Zenit is likely to play assertively, as they usually do in home matches. However, recently, Zenit has rarely achieved a significant lead in the scoreline. In their last ten home league matches, the team has only twice won by more than one goal, and in four instances, they have not won at all.
Akhmat finds it challenging in away games, but the team always strives to put up a fight against their opponents. In their last eight away Premier League matches, Akhmat has suffered four losses, but only once was the defeat by more than one goal. This occurred in a match against league leaders Krasnodar (1-3). Additionally, the team has performed well in their last two head-to-head encounters with Zenit at their stadium in the league (1-2 and 2-1).
I believe Sergei Tashuev's team can offer resistance to Zenit. My prediction: Akhmat with a handicap (+1.5)
* The starting lineup for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.
