Zenit Petersburg-Atletico Madrid Statistical Preview

Probable Lineups

Team News

Zenit Petersburg

Zenit fell to a surprising 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rostov and means they’re now top of the Russian Premier League on goal difference alone.The Russian side are also languishing 7 points behind table toppers Atletico Madrid in Group G and need a positive result here to be in with a realistic chance of making the knockout stages of the Champions League.Manager Luciano Spalletti has no injury worries and is expected to name his strongest starting XI, with Axel Witsel available again following suspension.

Atletico Madrid

• Atletico Madrid romped to a 7-0 win over Getafe on Saturday to maintain the 3-point gap between themselves and table toppers Barcelona.
• Head coach Diego Simeone is without Leo Baptistao and Mario Suárez due to injury.
• Diego Costa came on from the bench to net at the weekend and is expected to resume his regular starting role in Russia, although Diego Simeone may look to rest a number of first teamers.

Match Facts

• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Atletico’s last 5 games in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
• Atletico have won their last 4 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
• Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
• There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Zenit’s last 3 games in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
• Zenit are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Prediction

• Zenit know they need to secure a positive result at the Petrovsky Stadium to maintain they’re Champions League qualification hopes, with 7 points currently separating themselves and opponents Atletico Madrid in Group G.
• The Spanish side have already qualified for the next stage of the competition and head coach Diego Simeone may look to rest a number of first-team starters in Russia, although the Argentine could put out a strong starting XI to maintain a level of consistency in the side.
• This promises to be an exciting match up between the two teams and Zenit will look to inflict defeat on Atletico, although it may be difficult against Los Rojiblancos, who have conceded just twice in 4 Champions League games.

Zenit Petersburg 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid