Zenit vs Anderlecht Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Anderlecht enjoyed a smash and grab victory over Zenit last week to put them in a commanding position in this Europa League tie. Frank Acheampong netted within five minutes of the game and added a second 25 minutes later, both of which were assisted by Nicolaie Stanciu, to wrap up the result in the first half. Zenit had the majority of possession throughout the match and bettered their hosts’ shot tally but simply couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Zenit are a high scoring team though, and they will be hopeful of mounting a comeback despite their lack of an away goal. The hosts have also had an extra few days rest due to the ongoing winter break in Russia.

Prior to last week’s clash in Belgium, Zenit’s last competitive game was their defeat at AZ in the final Europa League group game, but despite this they still won their group by a seven point margin and have looked dominant for the most part. At home they are unbeaten in all competitions this season and have won 11 of their last 13 games there, including all of their last 11 and all of their Europa League group games.

Anderlecht are by no means a weak team though. They followed on from their midweek win with a 4-1 thrashing of KV Oostende in the league, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches in all competitions and leaving them level on points with Club Brugge at the top of the Belgian First Division.

Away from home they have won five of their last six matches, but they have conceded 16 goals in their last 11 away days and not many of those matches were against a side as offensively blessed as Zenit. The hosts have scored nine Europa League goals in their three home games and have scored 31 in their 13 home games in all competitions this season.

Nine of these goals have come courtesy of Brazilian attacker Guiliano, with three in his three Europa League home games too. Home and away he scored six goals in the group stages and has bagged seven in the league too, so he looks like the top choice for our anytime goalscorer predictions.

The hosts know they have to go for it from the outset here, and with six of their last ten home games seeing at least three goals and nine of Anderlecht’s last 11 away days also being high scoring affairs, odds of 4/6 for Over 2.5 Goals look good value. I’m backing that alongside a 3-1 win for Zenit at 11/1 for my correct score predictions.