This is the main match in Russian football and has therefore been cheesily named as ‘El Classikov’. Whoever came up with that name needs to have a serious look at themselves. Anyway, Russian derby matches are always a feisty affair and, with these two likely to be scrapping it out for the title at the end of the season, this is a huge game for both sides.
Mircea Lucescu’s Zenit side made an absolutely monumental comeback against Rostov in the previous round of fixtures. They were 2-0 down at half time but won the game 3-2, a superb second half display. This first win of the season of course gives them a huge confidence boost going into this match against their bitter rivals.
Defending champions CSKA have had a pretty good start to the season having secured one draw and two wins without conceding a goal. Their win against Ural in particular was the mark of champions, a last minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory. However, this is the first match that Leonid Slutsky’s side will play against one of the top teams in the league and so they will have to make sure that they play much better than they have so far this season.
This is definitely the more important game for Zenit as they will feel the need to take advantage of this home fixture against a title rival. Their comeback against Rostov shows they have a great team spirit in the squad and I expect them to do well against CSKA.
Although the Muscovites are yet to concede a goal, Zenit are much better going forward than CSKA’s previous opponents and, add into this that the champion’s front-line looks rather lacklustre, I am expecting a Zenit win.
Furthermore, the Super Cup match between these two ended in a Zenit win, so Lucescu’s side have the better of the recent head-to-head form.
The home win is listed at the decent price of 11/10 and this is well worth taking up.
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