Zenit to grab vital home win over unfocused Atletico in Group G
Published:Atletico Madrid travel to Russia in the luxurious position of having sealed Group G’s top spot already, meaning that Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit have the perfect opportunity to inflict a first defeat of this year’s Champions League on Diego Simeone’s men.
Atletico’s four wins from four group games has only been matched by holders Bayern Munich so far in this season’s Champions League.
However, the fact that the Spanish side have guaranteed themselves progression means their focus in the remaining two group games, starting with this trip to St Petersburg, is bound to be affected.
For the first time in many years, Atletico have a genuine chance of winning the La Liga title, as they are only three points off Barcelona’s pace at present, meaning they are certain not to risk certain personnel in this competition.
Meanwhile, Zenit have the carrot of possible qualification themselves, if they can claim victory and their only real rivals for second spot, Porto, fail to overcome Austria Vienna.
Despite poor domestic form, at home in Europe Zenit are unbeaten in eight also.
The 1/6 on offer for the home win is hardly a melt in the mouth price, considering Porto are yet to pick up a point at the Stadio Dragao in their two opening group games.
Normally so strong at home, even if the Portuguese do as is expected and overcome minnows Austria Vienna, three points will represent their lowest ever home points total in the Champions League group stages.
Luckily for the hosts, Austria Vienna have been outclassed in Europe’s premier competition to date, ratified by the fact they are yet to score a single goal, despite engineering a pretty heroic 0-0 draw with Zenit in Russia.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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