Champions League
2012-02-15 - Zenit St Petersburg vs Benfica
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Zenit hosts Benfia and they will aim to put a stop to Benfica's 11 match winning run when they clash in this earlier kickoff. And these two sides meet in Russia tonight for the first leg of the knock-out stage clash with top of the top Portuguese league side set to challenge Russian Premier League leaders Zenit in freezing conditions.
As it is now, Zenit's last outing was in November with the winter break terminating play from December to March. Benfia meanwhile have been in top form with 11 straight wins enabling them to create a five-point advantage over FC Porto at the head of the table. And Benfica are unbeaten in the league this campaign and continued to strenghten their record on Saturday as they eased past mid-table Nacional 4-1. On the other hand, Despite being out of action for two months Zenit also top their domestic league with a two-point lead over CSKA Moscow having picked up 18 points from their last 10 outings.
The weather could play a part here but it remains to be seen if the home side actually benefits from it or it'll go against them here.
Zenit Team News :
The home side will be without Portuguese midfielder Danny who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee ligament injury. Domenico Criscito, Alexsandr Bukharov and striker Darko Lazovic will also join Danny on the sidelines. The good news is that goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev is expected to be fit after a calf strain flared up during a friendly on Sunday. Zenit's leading goalscorer Aleksandr Kerzhakov expects his side to overcome the conditions and rewrite the club's history books despite the freezing conditions.
Team News :
Benfica Team News :
The only concern for Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is Javi Garcia who has been ruled out after picking up an injury in training on Friday.
Predictions
Go for Benfica and accept the 1/4 ball for a draw on the night.
The Pick :
Zenit 1-1 Benfica
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for the Draw here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Benfica and accept the 1/4 ball here.
