TipResumen

INTRODUCTION

This is the sixth round of the Russian Premier League and it is a derby between leaders Zenit and Spartak Moscow. They are separated by some two points in the standings. Both teams are unbeaten since the start of the Championship. Both teams are welcoming this match with just one goal conceded in their last five matches.



ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG

Zenit will not want to lose this match for sure and they will want to keep their position at the top of the table. They have won all of their five matches since the start of the season. They also progressed to the group stage of the Europa League after they managed to beat Norway's Molde over two legs. They were beaten in the second leg by 2-1 however, but still progressed after winning the first leg 3-1 at home. In the third qualifying round they made a spectacular comeback when they were down by four goals against Dinamo Minsk. Now for the team news, Coack Semak will not be able to count on center-back Mammana, midfielders Zhirkov, Noboa and Shatov, as well as centreforward Kokorin.



SPARTAK MOSCOW

They have dropped only two points in their first five matches this season. That was when they played against Lokomotiv Moscow away from home and it ended in a 0-0 draw. They won their other four matches. They will have to be contend with the Europa League after they were eliminated from the Champions League qualifying by Greek PAOK Thesaloniki. Now for this match we can expect a more defensive tactic from coach Carrera. They did well and conceded only one goal in their last five games. Now they will not have the services of goalkeeper Selikh, right-back Eshchenko and attacking midfielder Ananidze for this match due to injuries. Other then that, while centre-backs Kutepov and Bocchetti and midfielder Tashaev are also rated doubtful. They are also without left winger Promesa.



PAST MEETINGS

Last season all four of their meetings ended with wins for the hosts.