Zenit will host Group H leaders Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Venue: Krestovsky Stadium
Key Statistics
- Chelsea defeated Zenit Saint Petersburg 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, with Romelu Lukaku scoring the winning goal.
- The Blues, who sit on top of Group B, have qualified for the round of 16 alongside Juventus.
- Zenit, who are third in the table, will play in the Europa League.
- Chelsea are third in the Premier League table this season while Zenit top the Russian top-flight.
Head to Head record
Chelsea and Zenit met for the first time in the Champions League earlier this season at Stamford Bridge. The home side emerged victorious 1-0.
Latest performances in all competitions
Zenit: D W D W D
Chelsea: W W D W L
Zenit Saint-Petersburg
Zenit qualified for Europa League after their 1-1 draw against Malmo on matchday 3.
Though the game against Chelsea will be a dead rubber, Zenit would look to exact revenge for their defeat in the reverse fixture.
Zenit have maintained a solitary position in the Russian league and they sit at the top of the table.
They are coming on the back of a 2-2 draw against Rostov in the league.
Artem Dzyuba has been prolific this season, racking up 10 goals and 4 assists in 17 league appearances. However, the experienced Russian striker is yet to open his account in the Champions League.
Possible Zenit line-up
Mikhail Kerzhakov (GK); Dmitri Chistyakov, Dejan Lovren, Yaroslav Rakitskiy; Aleksey Sutormin, Danil Krugovoy, Wendel, Claudinho; Sardar Azmoun, Malcolm; Artem Dzyuba
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Chelsea
Chelsea, who topped the Premier League table for several weeks, slipped to third place following their 3-2 defeat against West Ham.
Thomas Tuchel‘s side would look to bounce back from the setback when they face Zenit on Wednesday.
Edouard Mendy has been surprisingly out of sorts in the last two games and especially against West Ham, his mistakes were criticized.
Romelu Lukaku‘s forgetful performance in the second half was also scrutinized and the Belgian striker would look to return his former self against Zenit this week.
Trevoh Chalobah will miss the contest after picking up an injury against Watford while Kai Havertz and Marcos Alonso suffered knocks during the weekend game against West Ham. The duo is likely to miss the game against Zenit.
With both nominal fullbacks Ben Chilwell and Alonso missing, Saul Niguez could be deployed as the makeshift left wing-back as he had been previously used at that position by Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
Possible Chelsea line-up
Edouard Mendy (GK), Callum Hudson-Odoi, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr, Saul, Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic
Injured: Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso, Kai Haverrz, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Trevoh Chalobah
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Prediction
Zenit 0 – 3 Chelsea
