The Matchday 25 clash in the Russian Premier League between Zenit and Khimki will take place on April 20 at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg. Zenit vs. Khimki: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zenit
Sergey Semak's side confidently defeated Krasnodar at home in the last round (4-1). This victory marked Zenit's third win in their last eight league matches (2 draws, 3 losses). The team has secured a big win for the seventh time this RPL season. Zenit has accumulated 50 points and closed the gap on leaders Krasnodar to just two points. Notably, no team has conceded fewer goals than Zenit (16 goals) in the current championship.
- The team has not lost in 11 of their last 13 home league matches (8 wins, 3 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of the last 6 home league matches.
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Zenit's last 7 home league matches.
Projected lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Evgeny Latyshonok – Gustavo Mantuan, Strahinja Erakovic, Nino, Douglas Santos – Andrey Mostovoy, Maxim Glushenkov, Wilmar Barrios, Luis Henrique, Wendel – Luciano Gondou.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev will miss the match due to injury.
Khimki
In the last round, the team suffered a 1-3 defeat at home to Krylia Sovetov. As a result, Khimki has now lost two consecutive matches for only the second time this season. However, the team has scored in 12 of their last 13 league matches. In the standings, the club has dropped to the relegation playoff zone – 13th place with 23 points. Notably, Khimki has conceded 27 goals away from home this season, ranking among the two worst teams alongside Fakel in this regard.
- The club has not won in 10 of their last 11 away league matches (3 draws, 7 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Khimki's last 6 away league matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Khimki's last 7 away league matches.
Projected lineup for Khimki (4-4-2)
Nikita Kokarev – Dani Fernandez, Danil Stepanov, Georgy Dzhikiya, Alexander Filin – Zelimkhan Bakaev, Lucas Vera, Alex Corredera, Ilya Berkovsky – Robert Mejia, Anton Zabolotny.
Defender Diego Luna will miss the match due to injury. Midfielder Zelimkhan Bakaev is suspended. Notably, the club parted ways with head coach Frank Artiga before this round. Magomed Adiev will temporarily take over his duties. It is also worth mentioning that Khimki's first team boycotted training this week due to unpaid salary debts.
Referee
Pavel Shadykhanov (Russia)
Matches – 8 (RPL, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Zenit vs. Khimki
After defeating Krasnodar, Sergey Semak's side has boosted their title hopes and aims to secure maximum points in the upcoming match. Zenit's attacking line is expected to be active and create numerous chances, as seen in their previous two home league matches, where they won with an aggregate score of 8-1. Notably, the club has recorded seven big wins this season.
Khimki struggles in away matches and will not be in the best shape for the clash against Zenit. Due to the training boycott this week and the unexpected head coach change, Khimki's first team is unlikely to provide strong resistance to Zenit on their home turf. Overall, Khimki is currently in poor form, having lost their last two league matches with an aggregate score of 2-7.
I expect a confident victory for Zenit in this match, so my prediction: Zenit with a handicap (-2.5)
