Betdistrict.com
AEL Limassol vs. Zenit Sankt Petersburg, 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League, first leg. The match will be played in Larnaca, so AEL will not benefit from their own stadium. It will be the first competitive match for both teams this season.
An analysis of AEL Limassol will say they are a good defensive side, they are not so good in attack but can defend and are very organized and disciplined. They had an amazing defensive record in Cyprus last season and for sure against a team like Zenit they will try to stay solid at the back and hit on the breaks. They played so and so in friendlies but surely will be more focused today. The fact that they don`t play on their own stadium will probably be a small handicap.
 |
Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle. |
Zenit had great results in the pre-season, showing very good defensive strength and winning most games, but that`s not so important. For example in the last friendly game they won 2-0 vs. Derby, but Derby held more of the ball and had more chances. Zenit has big names in the team, they also have Vilas Boas as coach and are almost a sure bet to reach the group stages of the Champions League. The visitors will probably rest 2-3 players for today.
Of course AEL is no match for Zenit in terms of individual quality … but the bookies are not stupid for opening with odds as high as 1.70 for Zenit and the analysis goes beyond just talent. The Russians are very inconsistent, they are not always good on the road and I’m not sure their big stars will be up for this game in Cyprus after a long season and many of them playing in the World Cup. For this reason alone I think it is worth a shot on AEL, but also I count on the hosts being a good defensive team and on the fact that it will be a huge game for them, so they will fight till the end. I don’t think Zenit to win at 1.50 is a safe bet or a “banker” just because they have better players … and I will try a tip on AEL not to lose (+0,5 handicap) despite everybody picking Zenit to win. Correct score prediction: AEL Limassol – Zenit Sankt Petersburg 1-1.
Pick: AEL Limassol +0,5
Odds: 2.64 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 6
Possible profit: 9.84
Event date: 30 July
