Betdistrict.com
Zenit Sankt Petersburg takes on Valencia CF in the Champions League, with the hosts looking to secure the first place in Group H, while Valencia aims to retain its second place ahead of the surprising Belgian Champions, Gent.
Zenit won all 4 games in this group and the Russians are already qualified to the next stage. Furthermore, the Sankt Petersburg side will secure the first place if they win, draw or lose with 1-0 or 2-1 – obviously plenty of options available for Andre Villas Boas’ side. Zenit has played some great football this Autumn, as they lost only once in the last three months. It was a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Lokomotiv Moscow two matches ago, but Zenit recovered with a 3-0 win over Ural last Saturday.
Valencia has just two points ahead of Gent for the second place and with the Belgians set to host an unmotivated Zenit team in the last round, Valencia really needs to get something from this game. It has not been a great season for the Spaniards, as they are just 7th in the Primera Division and they are on the back of a poor 1-1 result at home against Las Palmas – a match in which Valencia was supposed to finally get going with a couple of solid performances in a row, after previously beating Celta Vigo 5-1 on the road.
Bet on Zenit Sankt Petersburg vs. Valencia with the highest UCL odds at 1xBet.com.
Team news & lineups:
Anyukov and Faizulin are out for Zenit, while Smolnikov and Shatov are doubtful. Valencia has much bigger problems, as Alves, Ryan, Rodrigo, Negredo, Mustafi, Piatti and Barragan are all ruled out of the lineup. Javi Fuego is a doubt.
Zenit: Kerzhakov – Smolnikov, Lombaerts, Garay, Criscito – Witsel, Garcia – Hulk, Danny, Shatov – Dzyuba
Valencia: Jaume – Cancelo, Abdennour, Santos, Gaya – Parejo, Perez, Gomes – Mina, Alcacer, Feghouli
The reason for which the odds are so high on Zenit is the fact that motivation is on Valencia’s side – and indeed the Spaniards are fully focused, while Zenit can reach its objective even with a loss. However, motivation is not always enough and I`m sure Zenit will be pumped up as well, looking to continue their good form in this last home group match.
The Russians are on fire in this competition, they have excellent morale and I doubt they will play anything less than their best here. Looking at their current level of football and at Valencia’s problems (both with form and with injuries, the bet to take here is a home win. Zenit also has the very important home court advantage, as the cold Russian weather will make this an extra hard travel for the Spaniards – particularly when you think that in the last 7 home games Zenit has 1 draw and 6 wins (5 by two or more goals).
Difficult to see this weakened Valencia side getting anything in Sankt Petersburg, so my tip on this one is Zenit to win with a -0,25 asian handicap. Odds are dropping and should continue to drop. Prediction: Zenit Sankt Petersburg – Valencia 2-0.
Pick: Zenit (-0,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.91 @ 1xBet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.19
Event date: 24 November
