ZEN Vs SO Dream 11 prediction: The Sportsrush brings you the Dream 11 prediction between Sochi Vs Zenit Petersburg in Russian Premier League.
For Zenit Petersburg, the 2018 edition of the Russian Premier League was one to cherish. Dominating the marquee league right from day one, the die were unperturbed in their quest for the glistening title, going onto with the trophy quite comfortably in the end.
Sitting 8 points clear of Lokomotiv Moscow with 64 points, Zenit’s season was a rampant and meticulous one. They encapsulated everything needed for a football side to so comprehensively and resoundingly stamp their authority over a competition revolving around the league format. And the side began their 2019-20 sojourn in the league in the similar pristine fashion, winning 2-1 in the first gameweek after defeating Tambov 2-1.
Elsewhere for new boys Sochi, a side who are playing in the newest edition of the Russian Premier League after having being promoted from the lower league this season only, the entry into the premier league was a chastening one. The side were stalled 1-0 by Spartak Moscow, tasting defeat their first match of RPL.
Squaring off against each other today, the opening run in of difficult fixtures continue for Sodhi as they take on a side massively superior than themselves. It looks to be another match where they could be put down with Zenith recording a runaway win but Sochi showed glimpses of determination, girt and valour against Moscow to inspire confidence in their boisterous support.
Probable Winner
This is going to be an encounter which will be contested between Zenit’s attack line and Sochi’s defensive setup. Expect Sochi to fully come out with a defensive gameplan imbued in the side, one that will look to parry away as many of Zenit’s attack as possible and maintain their discipline, cohesion and formation across the 90 minutes.
However, we don’t see them being resilient enough to keep out an extremely incisive Zenit side from the entirety of the fixture. They are reigning champions for a reason, side filled with myriad performers who’ll find a way to navigate around Sochi’s defence and win this one.
Goal-Keeper
Sochi’s goal-keeper Nikolay Zabolotny comes in for us for this match. He came up with saves extradonaire with conviction in the previous match and will get more than his fair share of chances to keep the shots out in this one as well.
Defenders
If there is any side which is going to shut out the opposition completely and come out of this match with their first cleansheet of the season, it looks to be Zenit. Sochi massively underwhelmed against Moscow, a side they could have scoured their way past to a goal and we expect things to be flabbergasting for them up the filed in this one as well.
This sees us get in the two man partnership of Yaroslav Rakitskiy and Denis Terentjev, two players who have immense awareness and are a pivotal part of their side’s backline. We have also opted for a player from Soch solely on their strategy for this one with Fedor Kudryashov being indulged in.
Midfielders
Scoring one of the two goals his side managed to hit in their opening match of RPL 2019, Aleksandr Erokhin is the first player we are indulging our side in. One of the more experienced campaigners of his side, the player has over the years incurred for his side sublime and illustrious performances to always come up with goals at regular intervals and we do expect him to score today as well.
The other two attacking options from the side come in the form of Yuri Zhirkov while we have opted for a little cheaper Wilmar Barrios to free up funds in the strike force. Nikita Salamatov and Nikita Burmistrov will be representing Sochi.
Strikers
Arten Dzyuba comes in from Zenith given how easily he is able to traverse his way past his opposition’s defenders, going about on his goal scoring travails with such consummate ease. He got a goal in the last match as well and could very easily add to his tally today.
From Sochi we are getting in their best chance of finding a goal on the night. If anyone is going to open the goal scoring for them against the reigning champions, it’s going to be Dmitri Poloaz and he could easily emerge as the highest scorer from the side today.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Its Dzyuba who has been selected as our captain for today while we have gone ahead with Erokhin as our vice-captain.
Match Details
Russian Premier League
Match: Sochi Vs Zenit Petersburg
Date And Time: 22nd July, Monday- 12:00am IST
Venue: Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
Full team
Disclaimer: This team is made on the basis of our research for the game. This XI is what we think would work – you’re free to choose your own XI.
