The Matchday 30 clash in the Russian Premier League between Zenit and Akhmat will take place on May 24 at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg. Zenit vs. Akhmat: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's side overcame Rostov in their last away match (1-0). As a result, Zenit extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches (6 wins, 2 draws). However, in 4 of their last 5 RPL matches, the club has not scored more than one goal. The team has accumulated 63 points and continues to hold second place in the standings, trailing leaders Krasnodar by one point. Notably, Zenit boasts the best defensive record in this championship, conceding the fewest goals – 18.
- The team has not lost in 13 of their last 15 home matches in the RPL (10 wins, 3 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the last 8 home league matches.
- Zenit has scored exactly one or two goals in 7 of their last 10 home Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Yevgeny Latyshonok – Yuri Gorshkov, Vanja Drkusic, Nino, Douglas Santos – Gustavo Mantuan, Wilmar Barrios, Maxim Glushenkov, Pedro Henrique, Luis Henrique – Alexander Sobolev.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev and midfielder Wendel will miss the match due to injuries.
Akhmat
In the last round, Sergei Tashuev's team settled for a draw with Dynamo Makhachkala at home (1-1). This result extended Akhmat's winless streak in the RPL to five matches (2 draws, 3 losses). However, in 11 of their last 13 league matches, the club has not conceded more than one goal. Akhmat has 25 points, placing them only 14th in the standings. The team has avoided direct relegation but will participate in playoff matches against a First League representative.
- The club has not won in their last seven away matches in the RPL (3 draws, 4 losses).
- The team has scored exactly one or two goals in 5 of their last 7 away league matches.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Akhmat's last 8 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-4-2)
Vadim Ulyanov – Leo Goglichidze, Alexander Zhirov, Turpal-Ali Ibyshev, Darko Todorovic – Vladislav Kamylov, Lechi Sadulaev, Ismael Silva, Amin Talal – Maxim Samorodov, Georgy Melkadze.
Midfielder Daniil Utkin will not play due to injury.
Referee
Sergey Ivanov (Russia)
Matches – 12 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 25%.
Zenit vs. Akhmat: Match Prediction
Sergei Semak's team needs to win this match to keep their title hopes alive, so Zenit will likely play assertively, as they usually do in home matches. However, recently, Zenit has rarely achieved a significant scoreline advantage. In the last ten home league matches, the team has only twice won by more than one goal and failed to win four times during this period.
Akhmat finds it challenging in away games, but the team always tries to put up a fight. In their last eight away Premier League matches, Akhmat has suffered four losses, but only once did they lose by more than one goal, and that was against league leaders Krasnodar (1-3). Notably, the team performed well in their last two away league encounters against Zenit (1-2 and 2-1).
I believe Sergei Tashuev's team can challenge Zenit. My prediction: Akhmat with a handicap (+1.5)
