Zenit vs CSKA Moscow Prediction: Red-blues to put up a fight against Zeniters

Zenit will take on CSKA Moscow in round 5 of the Russian Premier League on August 13 at 17:00 (UTC+3). Let's see how the opponents are doing & what the best bet is. There are several options for you to consider!

Zenit has been misfiring a lot. With such a powerful roster on paper, the club has to earn three points from match to match, but in reality, we see a very different picture. In four games played this season, the St. Petersburg team has drawn twice with teams that aren't the most potent. First, with Khimki (1-1), then Akhmat (0-0). Because of that, something is going on in the RPL standings that we're not used to. Spartak is in the first place, CSKA is second, and Sochi is third. Zenit isn't even in the top 3, which is pretty surprising.

Under Vladimir Fedotov, CSKA has a tough battle for the lead with Spartak, but that could change. In the upcoming game, the Red-blues will have a tough task in earning points against Zenit. Of course, CSKA got off to a great start in RPL, but there's still plenty to complain about. In Week 3, they dropped points rather stupidly against Pari NN, where the score was 2-2 after regulation time. In addition, CSKA defeated Ural (2-0), crushed Sochi with three unanswered goals, and in the most recent matchup against Fakel Voronezh with a solid 4-1 advantage.

• Zenit: Karavaev, Kuzyaev, Odoevskiy;
• CSKA: Bruno Fuchs.

Bookmaker analysts believe that Zenit are the clear favorites, but we disagree. The St. Petersburg club has more chances to win, but CSKA can easily fight back. Both teams are fighting for the lead, so no one is going to neglect the points. 

Key stats

• Zenit won three of their last five games;
• CSKA was stronger in three of the last four games;
• CSKA scored at least two goals in the last four games.

We would not recommend betting on a net win of Zenit. The St. Petersburg club has already made two mistakes this season with the outsiders, and CSKA under Fedotov can easily repeat the exploits of Khimki and Akhmat, depriving the Russian grandee of points. However, to be on the safe side, we suggest betting on BTTS for very attractive odds. 

Our prediction: BTTS for 1.68.

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