Zenit to kick-off title defence with a victory over Khimki
FK Khimki vs Zenit - 24/07/2021
4766
Zenit St. Petersburg have been the dominant force of Russian football in recent years, as they have won the Russian Premier League in the last three seasons. The reigning champions kick-off their title defence at Khimki on Saturday afternoon.
Khimki endured an inconsistent campaign in the Russian top-flight last season, eventually finishing eighth-place in the table. A slight lack of firepower contributed to the home team finishing the campaign with a goal difference of -4.
Khimki ended last season with a poor run of league form, losing three of their final four league outings, including suffering a 2-0 defeat at Zenit.
One positive for the home side towards the end of their campaign was their stellar home form, as they are currently unbeaten in nine home matches on home soil, recording an impressive eight victories. They have also kept clean sheets in four straight home matches in the Russian top-flight.
Zenit are looking to win their fourth straight Russian title this season. The reigning champions have enjoyed a decent pre-season and recorded a 3-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Cup last time out.
The goals of giant striker Artem Dzyuba have played a massive part in Zenit’s recent success, as the 32-year-old has finished as the Premier League’s top scorer in the last two seasons.
It would also be unfair not to talk about Iranian star Sardar Azmoun, who scored just one less than Dzyuba’s tally of 20 league goals last season. He also matched his strike partner’s tally the previous season.
Zenit ended last season with a nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, winning seven times. Their potent strike-force were unsurprisingly in good form, as they also scored at least two goals in eight of those nine unbeaten games.
Forebet predicts that Zenit will get their title defence off to a winning start by claiming a comfortable win in a high-scoring fashion.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Ru1
242353
2
0 - 3
2.85
18°
1.30
10.00
5.25
1.30
1
1
-1
1 - 3(1 - 1)
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