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In form Zenit Sankt Petersburg takes on Olympique Lyon, with the Russians hoping to cement their first place in Champions League’s Group H.
Zenit, coming after a 2-2 draw at Kuban Krasnodar, is undefeated in the last eight matches and won both games in the Champions League so far. Benefiting from an accessible group, the Russians seem set to win the Pool after beating Valencia (3-2) and Gent (2-1) in the first two rounds. While the level of football showed by Zenit so far is not out of this world, the Russians are playing well, doing the job and a win over Lyon will go a long way to help them finish the group on the first place and avoid top opponents in Round 16.
Lyon hasn`t been able to produce the goods in the Champions League. The French drew 1-1 in Gent in the first round, despite the Belgians playing with 10 men for 50 minutes and with 9 men for 5 minutes. Indeed, Lyon missed a penalty late on, but it wasn`t a good performance and they didn`t play better in the next round either, losing 1-0 at home to Valencia. In France Lyon has been doing a bit better lately, beating Reims 1-0 and drawing 1-1 at Monaco.
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Team news & lineups:
Faizulin is the only missing player for Zenit, but Smolnikov is also a doubt. Lyon has much more problems, missing Bisevac, Fekir, Grenier, Fofana and Kalulu. Additionally, Bedimo and Bakary Kone are also very likely to be ruled out of the lineup.
Zenit: Kerzhakov – Anyukov, Lombaerts, Garay, Criscito – Witsel, Garcia – Hulk, Danny, Shatov – Dzyuba
Lyon: Lopes – Jallet, Umtiti, Yanga-Mbiwa, Rafael – Darder, Gonalons, Tolisso – Valbuena, Beauvue – Lacazette
In poor form and with so many missing players, it will be very difficult and unlikely for Lyon to get something from this game. Playing in Russia is always tough and Zenit is looking solid this season. The hosts are the best team in the group and should do well to exploit Lyon’s problems and get the three points at home.
I reckon Lyon’s injuries will prove the key to this game, though Zenit would be a favorite anyway. My tip is a Zenit win. Prediction: Zenit Sankt Petersburg – Olympique Lyon 2-0.
Pick: Zenit Sankt Petersburg
Odds: 1.95 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.65
Event date: 20 October
