FK Vardar v Zenit St. Petersburg Betting Tips: Away side to keep up good defensive record

This clash in Group L is arguably a meeting between the minnows of the group, Vardar, who have never qualified for the group stage of a European competition, and the favourites, Zenit St. Petersburg, who won the UEFA Cup back in 2008. However, despite the difference in quality between the two sides, there is still value to be had in the markets.

Vardar have won the Macedonian championship for the last three seasons, however, this campaign has not got off to the best of starts as they currently sit down in fourth and four points off top spot after three matches, albeit with a game in hand.

However, after losing their first match 2-0, The Red and Blacks have improved dramatically at both ends of the pitch in their last two league outings with seven goals scored and just one conceded. Additionally, even though they are considered a minnow in European terms, it is certainly worth noting that they managed to score four goals and conceded just once against Fenerbahce in the Europa League qualifying rounds this season.

Cedomir Janevski’s men have been fantastic at home in the last few years with no league defeats since March 2014 and just two cup defeats at Philip II Arena in that time. Furthermore, although they have never played a European Group Stage match on home soil, they have come out on top in their last three home European qualifying matches – both Europa League and Champions League.

Despite drawing their last two Russian Premier League matches, Zenit still sit top of the Russian Premier League and remain favourites for the title. In terms of European football, there is pressure on Zenit as they look to overcome the disappointment of the last two campaigns in which they have failed to get past the first knockout round in either the Champions League or Europa League.

New manager Roberto Mancini heavily invested in Zenit’s backline this summer as it was undoubtedly the reason why the club’s trophy cabinet had been looking so bare in recent years. Fortunately for him, his new defensive unit has been working well together so far with four clean sheets in their last four matches in all competitions. However, after their goal-filled start to the season, the Blue White and Navys forward line has now failed to score in their last 180 minutes of football – a cause for concern.

Zenit have been inconsistent on their travels of late with no back-to-back wins since July whilst they have also scored just once in their last three matches outside of St. Petersburg. Having said that, their aforementioned defence has been doing its job with five clean sheets in their seven away games so far this campaign.

Although Vardar have a good record at home, you cannot get away from the fact they are minnows here and their lack of European experience could cost them. Unsurprisingly, I expect Zenit to come out on top and, thanks to their improved backline, I think they will keep a clean sheet in the process. Zenit St. Petersburg to Win to Nil is priced at a profitable 7/5.