Zenit may be down 2-0 at the halfway point of their Europa League encounter with Anderlecht, but they will still fancy their chances of going through to the Round of 16. They have been unstoppable at home of late, winning all three of their Europa League games at Stadium Petrovsky this season. Zenit have scored a whopping nine times during this span and conceded just once. It’s paramount for Zenit that their defense be rock-solid again this coming Thursday as an away goal by Anderlecht will more than likely boot them out of the competition.
Rust definitely played a factor in their first-leg loss as that was just Zenit’s first competitive game in 10 weeks. They showed signs of improvement, though, in the second half of that contest, and the Russian outfit could be a different proposition with another week under their belts. Zenit will also be buoyed by their tremendous home support for Thursday’s clash. They have never lost a Europa League game at home in their illustrious history, winning 12 matches and drawing twice (once in group stage, once in qualifiers).
They are pegged at +260to go through to the Europa League round of 16.
It is advantage Anderlecht at the halfway point of this epic European tie after the Belgian giants edged past Zenit, 2-0, in their first leg clash on Thursday. Frank Acheampong scored twice for Anderlecht, who are just 90 minutes away from clinching another Europa League round of 16 appearance.
The match could have easily turned in Zenit’s favor if not for the heroics of goalkeeper Ruben. The 32-year-old was superb against the five-time Russian champions as he thwarted wave after wave of Zenit attacks the entire match. He recorded seven total saves in this contest to nab the all-important clean sheet. Ruben has been a fantastic signing for Rene Weiler this season, providing a solid presence at the back for the Belgian club.
With Anderlecht holding a two-goal advantage, it’s crucial for Weiler to pack the midfield and pick apart Zenit on the counter-attack. Fortunately for Weiler, he can utilize the speedy Acheampong for this specific game plan. The Liverpool target has been superb for Anderlecht in this competition, scoring twice and dishing out two assists in seven Europa League matches this season.
They are pegged at -340to go through to the Europa League round of 16.
Writer’s Prediction
Zenit and Anderlecht cancel each other out in an entertaining 1-1 draw (+290).
Create a betting account now and cash in on all the best Europa League action with America’s top online sportsbook.
