[The Jackal]

1st time Zenit has ever been in the CL; it deserves it's own thread. :thumbsup: Here's the schedule:

17 [email protected]
30 September--Real Madrid
21 October--BATE
5 [email protected]
25 November--Juventus
10 [email protected] Madrid

 

[The Jackal]

Real Madrid are obviously one of the world's strongest clubs, and a favorite to win the CL every year.

Juve are back after a two-year absence. They beat Ajax in 96' to win the CL, and were finalists in 03' when they lost to Milan. They didn't play great last year in Seria A, but still have to be considered very strong opponents.

BATE are the first team ever to make the CL from Belarus. Great accomplishment, but expectations should be very low for them.


For Zenit, they will have to win one of their first 2 matches to have any shot of progressing IMO. I expect them to take the maximum 6 points from the Belarussian side, but beating Juve and RM--even at the Petrovsky--is asking alot out of Zenit IMO.

 

[shevagol]

Zenit needs to take all 6 points from BATE, 4 points from their home matches vs. Juve/Real, and hope BATE can take a couple points from Juve/Real.

They don't have to win one of the first two matches, but they can't lose both. Otherwise it's over. If they can get a positive result in one or both, they still have a chance.

Tough group though, and the realistic prediction is that Zenit will be given another shot at repeating their UEFA Cup run.

 

[The Jackal]

Realistically, I don't expect BATE to take anything off of Real Madrid and Juventus. So I agree, Zenit needs to get at least 10 points.

 

[Dmitriy]

I can't see Bate earning more than two points from this group, and two points is a big stretch as it is.

 

[The Jackal]

I can't see Bate earning more than two points from this group, and two points is a big stretch as it is.

I agree. :thumbsup:

Because of that, Zenit should play very freely against Real Madrid and Juventus. Even if they lose, Zenit will still finish 3rd at worst. :thumbsup:

 

[FootyFan365]

Huuuuge advantage that Zenit plays BATE back-to-back fixtures. Only thing positive coming out of this nightmare draw. I'm not counting Zenit out...If they keep Arshavin Zenit will be tough to beat, and if Pogrebnyak can find a way to be a go-to scorer again I think Zenit will be in good shape. Of course the defense doesn't look all that good, they need to try and force attacks out wide, easier said then done...

 

[kleber]

What about Bate-Zenit game....if there is a game where Bate can win at least a point is this one in my opinion....

Anyway,should be create a thread to Juventus game or should we stick to this one?

 

[The Jackal]

What about Bate-Zenit game....if there is a game where Bate can win at least a point is this one in my opinion....

It's possible, but Zenit fully expects to get 6 points out of the 2 BATE matches. I certainly consider BATE to be one of the weakest sides in this competition.

Anyway,should be create a thread to Juventus game or should we stick to this one?

kleb, if you think we should create seperate threads then go right ahead. :thumbsup:

Personally, I don't think we need to, but I really don't care.

 

[kleber]

I will open than.

 

[Zenit28]

Do you guys recommend any particular site to watch the game? Zenit gonna kill boysss!!!!

 

[The Jackal]

Guti has been ruled out of the match against Real Madrid with an injury.

 

[FootyFan365]

Do you guys recommend any particular site to watch the game? Zenit gonna kill boysss!!!!

Do you know about livetv.ru? I guess I should just text you since you're never on here p

 

[The Jackal]

On Wednesday, Zenit host BATE in their 3rd CL match; I think it goes without saying that 3 points are needed for the Russian club to have any hope of advancing to the last 16.

 

[kleber]

On Wednesday, Zenit host BATE in their 3rd CL match; I think it goes without saying that 3 points are needed for the Russian club to have any hope of advancing to the last 16.

And a win or at least a draw real madrid win in Italy.

 

[The Jackal]

Yeah, exactly. I actually thought Zenit deserved to get a result out of the Real Madrid match despite some sloppy play. I'm expecting them to get 6/6 points vs. BATE, even though the Belarussian side have quality.

 

[Glen]

Help needed for my fantasy pool.

Who are your most regular scorers? Who takes penalties for Zenit? Arshavin?
Would you think Danny or Arshavin more likely to get more goals/assists in this match?

Which defender is more likely to score from you?

I think you'll absolutely maul Bate twice in a row and then us afterwards, so gotta get myself some Zenit players .

 

[FootyFan365]

Help needed for my fantasy pool.

Who are your most regular scorers? Who takes penalties for Zenit? Arshavin?
Would you think Danny or Arshavin more likely to get more goals/assists in this match?

Which defender is more likely to score from you?

I think you'll absolutely maul Bate twice in a row and then us afterwards, so gotta get myself some Zenit players .

I'd say Arshavin and Anyukov...

 

[kleber]

"Зенит": Малафеев, Ширл, Крыжанац, Широков, Анюков, Тимощук, Зырянов, Данни, Денисов, Аршавин, Фатих Текке.

БАТЭ: Веремко, Лихтарович, Сосновский, Володько, Близнюк, Кривец, Хагуш, Родионов, Стасевич, Ржевский, Юревич.

Pogrebnyak and Prugnier on the bench....shirokov and tekke starting.

 

[kleber]

18 min....

Zenit looks pathetic.

Bate hit the post.