Khimki – Zenit : Preview & Prediction
Khimki and Zenit St Petersburg meet at Arena Khimki, in a match for the 1st round of the Premier League. The history of recent direct clashes is favorable to the visiting team, which has 3 wins in the last 3 matches. The last head-to-head between these two teams, in 05‑04‑2021, ended with Zenit winning by (2‑0). In this match, the home factor could play an important role, as Zenit St Petersburg presents significant differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.
The home team debuts in this edition after having finished last season in 8th place. This is a team little affected by the home factor, that is, they have similar results at home and away, since in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 22 goals scored and 27 conceded, against 6 wins , 2 draws and 7 defeats at home, with 16 goals scored and 22 conceded. In their last match, for the Club Friendlies, they got a home loss against Spartak Moskva by (1‑5). In the last 10 home matches Khimki has a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. Defensive consistency hasn’t been their best feature, as they have conceded goals in 7 of the last 10 matches. In 15 matches, they never managed to turn the score around in the 4 matches they conceded the first goal. In the last 3 home matches for all competitions there are 1 periods that stand out: they have conceded 3 of their 7 goals between minutes (61’‑75′).
Khimki performed reliably last season and intend to repeat that. However, he did not do very well in the preparatory games for the championship and this turned out to be a warning signal. You will have to show a different posture here, as the difficulty will be greater, as it will start in the first round. He will debut against the current national champion, and if he manages to tie he will be able to celebrate.
The visiting team debuts in this edition of the competition after having finished last season in 1st place. This is a team that usually depends on the home factor, which is stronger when they play with the support of their supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 6 draws and 4 losses in away matches, with a total of 23 goals scored and 21 conceded. At home, they won 11 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats, with a total of 44 goals scored and 9 conceded. In their last match, for the Club Friendlies, they got an away win against Karlsruher SC by (1‑3). In the last 10 away matches Zenit St Petersburg has won 4, tied 4 and lost 2. Their offense has scored consistently, as they have managed to score in 8 of the last 10 matches.
Zenit is the current three-time Russian champion and arrives for the competition determined to win the fourth straight cup. Doubting its ability would be crazy, especially since it has a qualified cast. In this first round, they won’t be in their best shape yet, but that doesn’t mean they’ll play poorly or take less trouble for the home team. He is the favourite, so much so that if he manages to add the three points it won’t be a surprise.
Khimki – Zenit : Betting Tips
Zenit – Win Odds: 1.45
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
