Zenit Petersburg welcome the visitors Villarreal in the Europa League Play-offs – 1/8 Finals. The match will be held on Thursday, March, 7th, at the Gazprom Arena (Saint Petersburg).
Zenit Petersburg have progressed to the Europa League knockouts after the character home win; notably, even the 2nd leg outcome could have been very unpleasant for them. Leading with a scoreline of 2:0 on their turf, Zenit allowed a goal and were about to relegate by the 76th minute. The Turks possessed the ball (61%) and made 13 shots on target in that match, which was more than the hosts did. Hence, Zenit’s performance is still unconfident, and only their higher class enabled their progression. As for the quality of the team’s play, it’s far from being called ideal so far.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Villarreal have passed Sporting Lisbon in the 1/16 Finals. The Spaniards managed to win the Portuguese team away, 0:1, and drawed at home, 1:1, thus, they reached the next stage. While Zenit lack some practice in official encounters, Villarreal actively compete in the national league. In the Europa League, the guests on the day did not suffer a loss yet, having registered 3 wins and 5 draws. In the last La Liga fixture, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ smashed Sevilla, 3:0.
Villarreal play their 1st leg away, which is considered an advantage. Zenit look weaker than their visitors, and this may turn a decisive factor tomorrow. Interestingly, the teams have already met, though that clash was held in terms of the 1/16 UEFA Cup Finals. Zenit won then, but the game was level: the scoreline read 1:0 and 1:2. In our view, the coming head-to-head will present a challenge for the Russians and, given Villarreal’s latest matches and form, the latter will not concede at least.
Prediction for the match: Villarreal to win or Draw.
