Match Overview

The 11th-round fixture of the (RPL) will see Akron host Zenit on October 4th at the Solidarnost Samara Arena. This comprehensive preview offers a detailed prediction, betting insights, current odds, and relevant statistics for the Akron vs. Zenit encounter.

Akron Analysis

Akron’s Recent Performance

Akron suffered a significant 0-3 defeat away to Akhmat in their last outing. This marked their first heavy loss of the current campaign and their fifth overall since the start of the league season. It’s worth noting that Zaur Tedeev’s side has conceded goals in 8 consecutive Premier League matches, and with only one clean sheet, they rank among the bottom four teams in the league for defensive solidity. However, Akron has managed to find the net in 15 of their last 17 RPL matches. The team currently sits in 14th position in the league standings.

Key Akron Statistics

• At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Akron’s last 6 league matches.
• The club has failed to win any of its last 6 home matches in the Premier League (3 draws, 3 losses).
• Akron has scored more than one goal in only 1 of their last 6 home games in this tournament.

Akron’s Probable Starting Lineup (4-5-1)

Vitaliy Gudiev – Roberto Fernandez, Ionuț Nedelcearu, Rodrigo Escoval, Dmitry Pestryakov – Soltmurad Bakaev, Edgar Sevikyan, Konstantin Maradishvili, Stefan Lončar, Kristijan Bistrović – Artem Dzyuba.

Team Injuries and Absences

Midfielders Maksim Boldyrev and Aleksa Djurasovic are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Zenit Analysis

Zenit’s Dominant Form

Maksim Glushenkov’s four-goal haul propelled Zenit to a resounding 5-2 victory over Orenburg in the previous round. Sergey Semak’s men ended a four-match goalless streak in the RPL, but they have scored at least two goals in five of their last six league matches. During this impressive run, Zenit has accumulated 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, against Orenburg, the club recorded its best shot-on-target figure of the season with 11 (compared to an average of 5.6). This strong performance has lifted the St. Petersburg side to 4th place, reducing their gap behind league leaders Krasnodar to just two points.

Key Zenit Statistics

• At least one opponent has failed to score in 5 of Zenit’s last 7 Premier League matches.
• The team has not won in 4 of its last 5 away league games (3 draws, 1 loss).
• In 11 of their last 13 away matches in this tournament, the club has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals.

Zenit’s Probable Starting Lineup (4-5-1)

Denis Adamov – Douglas Santos, Nuraly Alip, Nino, Gustavo Mantuan – Maksim Glushenkov, Wilmar Barrios, Luiz Henrique, Wendel, Pedro Henrique – Mateo Cassierra.

Zenit Injury Update

Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev is injured. Midfielder Gerson is not yet ready for official matches.

Akron vs Zenit Match Prediction

Akron’s Struggles and Zenit’s Momentum

Akron earned 6 of their 7 points in the first four rounds, after which the team’s results declined significantly. Zaur Tedeev’s side has lost 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches. While Akron faced tough opponents during this period, their upcoming rival is a title contender. Moreover, Zenit is in excellent form, having secured 4 victories in their last 5 RPL games, only dropping points against the resilient Baltika. Akron’s current performance is far from that of the Kaliningrad team.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Offensive Prowess

Akron’s defense is among the worst in the league, conceding at least two goals in 6 consecutive championship matches. With such statistics, it is unlikely that the Togliatti side will be able to contain Zenit’s attack, which has recently begun to demonstrate a high level of effectiveness. In their last six RPL encounters, Zenit only failed to score against the aforementioned Baltika; all other opponents during this period conceded at least twice.

Expert Betting Tip

My prediction: “Zenit Win and Total Over 1.5 Goals” with odds 1.62