Zenit – CSKA

Zenit will win, but will concede.

On Sunday, August 3, Zenit will play against CSKA at home. This is the central match of the third round of the RPL. Both teams have accumulated four points. There are currently many problems for each of the giants. In Zenit, after a draw with Rubin, the main topic for discussion is the conflict between Sergey Semak and Maxim Glushenkov. The head coach publicly criticized the Russian leader. It is quite probable that Maxim will not start in the lineup for the game against CSKA. Glushenkov's personal statistics have not been impressive this season - he has not made any goals or assists. Zenit built up a two-goal lead in Kazan with Maxim, but have already lost their advantage without him. The main title contender is playing with a cushion. It is clear that the team has room for progress. Zenit will grow stronger now because of Gerson. The Brazilian has already added intelligence to the game. Another positive piece of news is the return of Wendell. The Brazilian also remains a Zenit player. Currently, there are no serious injuries for the Petersburg team. Semak essentially has two powerful lineups at his disposal. Luis Enrique will return to the pitch after a minor injury, and Andrey Mostovoy will surely keep his place following a fantastic start. CSKA's situation is more complicated. The team started very well under Fabio Celestini. The army men first secured the Russian Cup, then managed to gain four points in the RPL, and in the Russian Cup, they defeated Lokomotiv. At the same time there are a lot of nuances. First, the quality of play in the RPL was average. Against Orenburg away, the team did not create many scoring chances. Igor Akinfeev also saved in several situations. Essentially, it was an equal match against the outsider. Second, Lokomotiv fielded substitutes and youth for the cup match, while the army men had key players on several positions. Third, the defence looks very vulnerable. Akhmat found it very easy to break through CSKA's defence in the first half – a team with a higher skill level would have turned it into a rout. Bookmakers rightly consider Zenit the clear favourite, but the odds for the total are surprising. Fabio Celestini is an attacking coach. CSKA will definitely take some risks. The formation suggests this. The highlight of the most productive match of the round seems to be in St. Petersburg. Zenit will have motivated substitutes in the second half – it is not excluded that Glushenkov will come on as a substitute. CSKA is capable of scoring one goal, but at the same time, a rout cannot be ruled out either. Zenit has long been expected to achieve a convincing victory specifically over one of the Moscow teams. The Petersburg side's problems in matches against capital teams have intensified. Moreover, there is a need to take revenge on CSKA for being knocked out of last year's Cup and the spoiled anniversary.