The first leg of the Champions League Play-offs will begin with Zenit Sant Petersburg and Auxerre.
The undefeated Russians are in a brilliant shape this season. Nevertheless, they are deep into the season with 16 matches played already, and 40pts. Out of those 16 matches they have 12 victories and 4 draw games.
Currently first in the Russian Premier League, Zenit is the favorite in this game.
Auxerre, just started the season, currently taking the 12 spot with 2 points out of two games.
Both teams haven’t met before and there’s no head to head statistics.
Last 6 games for Zenit:
Zenit St Petersburg 1-1 Dinamo Moscow
Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 Unirea Urziceni
Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Rubin Kazan
Unirea Urziceni 0-0 Zenit St Petersburg
Rostov 1-3 Zenit St Petersburg
Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Sibir
Four victories, two draw games, and still undefeated, Zenit will go for another victory today.
Last 6 games for Auxerre:
Brest 1-1 Auxerre
Auxerre 2-2 Lorient
Sochaux 1-2 Auxerre
Auxerre 0-0 Lens
Lyon 2-1 Auxerre
Auxerre 0-0 Marseille
A win, a loss and 4 draw games, Auxerre seems to be able to get to the precious point most of the time.
What to expect in this match?
I expect nothing less but Zenit, dominating in this first leg game. The team is determined to get in the Champions League groups for sure, and will try to “end” everything today, so they can relax for the 2nd leg in a week. Meanwhile Auxerre, will go out with a defensive formation, and will depend on counter attacks, a probable formation of 4-5-1 with a crowded middle area to block Zenit’s attacks.
The Betting Verdict?
Backing Zenit to win @ 1.65 (Betfair.com): Although this is the first game, the match is in Russia, Zenit is in a wonderful shape being undefeated for over 20 matches now. Auxerre current shape shows in no way that they are capable of a surprise here, and I am backing up only the logical outcome of the game, a win for Zenit.
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