Match Introduction

Zenit is set to host Dynamo Makhachkala at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on August 23rd for their 6th-round MIR RPL fixture. This detailed prediction provides an analysis, betting insights, and statistics for the upcoming clash.

Zenit’s Current Form

Recent League Performance

Sergei Semak’s squad recently secured a 2-2 draw against Spartak on the road. The St. Petersburg side is currently on a four-match winless streak in the league, recording three draws and one loss. Notably, Zenit has conceded goals in all of their RPL 2025/26 matches, a trend shared only with Sochi. With six points, Zenit sits in 8th place in the standings, yet they hold the distinction of being the league’s fairest team, having accumulated only seven yellow cards.

Zenit’s Key Statistics

• Zenit conceded the opening goal in 4 of their last 5 Premier League encounters.
• At home, Zenit has emerged victorious in 6 of their last 7 championship matches, with one draw.
• In 5 of their last 7 home games in this tournament, the St. Petersburg club scored at least two goals.

Zenit’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Expected Starting XI

Evgeny Latyshonok – Roman Vega, Strahinja Eraković, Nuraly Alip, Gustavo Mantuan – Gerson Santos, Wilmar Barrios, Wendel, Luis Enrique, Andrey Mostovoy – Pedro Henrique.

Team Injury and Suspension Update

Defenders Vyacheslav Karavaev and Nino are currently sidelined with injuries. Their fellow defender Douglas Santos will miss the match due to suspension.

Dynamo Makhachkala’s Prospects

Recent Performances and Defensive Prowess

Dynamo Makhachkala suffered a 0-2 defeat to Pari NN in their previous fixture. Khasanbi Bidzhiev’s side has only managed one win in their last 11 championship matches (4 draws, 6 losses). However, they have conceded no more than one goal in 8 of those encounters. In the current championship, Dynamo has only conceded 5 goals in total, with only Krasnodar (3) and CSKA (4) having better defensive records. Despite this defensive solidity, the club occupies 12th place in the overall standings.

Dynamo Makhachkala’s Key Statistics

• The team scored in 5 of their last 7 RPL games.
• Dynamo Makhachkala is winless in their last 6 away Premier League matches (2 draws, 4 losses).
• Dynamo conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in their last 8 away fixtures in this tournament.

Dynamo Makhachkala’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Expected Starting XI

Timur Magomedov – Temirkan Sundukov, Mohamed Azzi, Jemal Tabidze, Valentin Paltsev – Nikita Glushkov, Houssem Mrezigue, Mohammadjavad Hosseinnejad, Razhab Magomedov, Mehdi El Moubarik – Gamid Agalarov.

Team Injury Update

Defender Jan Dzapo is currently in the team’s infirmary.

Match Official

Referee: Pavel Kukuyan

Pavel Kukuyan (Russia)

Referee’s Statistical Profile (RPL, 2024/25 – 2025/26)

Matches officiated: 19

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 82

Average yellow cards per match: 4.3

Red cards shown: 6

Average fouls per match: 29

Penalties awarded: 26%

Zenit vs Dynamo Makhachkala Match Prediction

Zenit’s Drive for Victory

A team of Zenit’s caliber should not complain about the schedule, yet they have indeed faced some formidable opponents early in the tournament. Nevertheless, Sergei Semak’s proteges have collected 4 points from two home matches in RPL 2025/26, with a draw against CSKA in the 3rd round ending their 6-match home winning streak. It is unlikely that the St. Petersburg side intends to drop points against a significantly less threatening adversary. However, overcoming Dynamo will prove to be a challenge.

Dynamo’s Defensive Fortitude

While Dynamo Makhachkala might not boast spectacular results, they rarely allow opponents to unleash their full attacking potential. Prior to the match against Pari NN, Khasanbi Bidzhiev’s men had not conceded more than one goal in 8 consecutive Premier League matches. Moreover, one of Nizhny Novgorod’s goals could be attributed to a goalkeeping error. Despite such a reliable defense, this hasn’t consistently translated into points: Dynamo has lost 6 of their last 9 away fixtures in the RPL.

Head-to-Head Record and Final Forecast

Last season, Zenit defeated Dynamo Makhachkala in both head-to-head encounters (2-1, 1-0). I anticipate a similar outcome in this match. My prediction: “Zenit Win and Under 3.5 Goals”.