Zenit vs Maccabi Tel Aviv - Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips UEFA Europa League


Zenit St Petersburg


This is usually the part of the season when Zenit St Petersburg have been competing in the Champions League, but they have made a rare appearance in the Europa League Group Stage this time around. 2015/16 season was a poor season by the standards Zenit St Petersburg have set for themselves, but this they look to be back near to their best in the early months of this season.

The Europa League has already been put on the back burner to some extent as Zenit St Petersburg have dominated their Group and won it after winning all 4 games in the section. Zenit St Petersburg are unbeaten in 17 home games in the Europa League and have won 15 of those including 11 of the last 12.

A 3-1 home win over Krylya Sovetov has kept Zenit St Petersburg in touch with Spartak Moscow who lead the Russian top flight by 3 points. That result also means Zenit St Petersburg are unbeaten in 17 home games in all competitions and they have won 8 in a row here.


Maccabi Tel Aviv
Arguably the most famous club coming out of Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv entered this Group in the Europa League with plenty of belief they could reach the Knock Out Stage of the competition. They may have felt that AZ Alkmaar were going to be their biggest rivals to join Zenit St Petersburg in the Last 32, but Maccabi Tel Aviv are actually trying to see off Dundalk from Ireland, although those three clubs are all in play for 2nd place behind the Russians.

With Zenit St Petersburg already through as Group Winners, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dundalk both have 4 points and AZ Alkmaar have 2 points with two more Match Day rounds to come. A defeat to Dundalk means Maccabi Tel Aviv will likely need to beat them on Match Day 6 in Israel to have a chance to Qualify, but that means they can head to Russia to play with the freedom that comes with having 'little to lose'.

Maccabi Tel Aviv were winners over the weekend and have lost 1 of their last 5 games in all competitions although they have shown more inconsistency away from home. In fact they have lost 2 of their last 4 away games in all competitions, but Maccabi Tel Aviv have won 5 of their last 7 with those defeats being the exceptions.


Head to Head

This is the first time these teams have met in St Petersburg.

The earlier game in the Group was a classic as Maccabi Tel Aviv blew a 3-0 lead in the final 13 minutes in a 3-4 loss to Zenit St Petersburg.


Prediction
With Zenit St Petersburg already through to the Last 32 of the Europa League having won the Group, there might be a suggestion the home team could 'ease off the gas' on Match Day 5. However they have been playing really well at home and Zenit St Petersburg won't want to snap the momentum they have built up here.

They have found the home Europa League games much more comfortable than the Champions League ones and Zenit have won 15 of their last 17 Europa League games at home. That is an impressive statistic and Zenit St Petersburg have won all 4 games in the Group with goals not being an issue for them.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have to feel they have a chance for a bonus point or three when they head to Russia considering the home team have achieved their goal in the Group. However they have not been as good on their travels as they are at home and have lost games at Dundalk and Hapoel Be'er Sheva in recent weeks.

The side did secure a late win at AZ Alkmaar to snap a run of consecutive away losses in the Europa League, but Maccabi Tel Aviv will recognise this is the best team they have played since losing 3-0 in Basel in 2014.

The odds do suggest the layers are factoring in the lack of motivation the home side potentially has in this game, but I think Zenit St Petersburg will be too good for Maccabi Tel Aviv. At a price not that far short of evens, I am going to back the home team to put another three points on the board and leave the Runner Up position to be up for grabs in Match Day 6.

The Pick :
Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
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