TipResumen

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG

There have been some remarkable comebacks in recent European history with the most memorable being Barcelona recovering from a 4-0 defeat in the French capital and beat them 6-1 in the Second Leg to move through in the Champions League. While Zenit St Petersburg's win over Dinamo Minsk won't be one that resonated around Europe the same way Barcelona's did, it was still a result that will live long in the memory for the fans. After losing 4-0 in Dinamo Minsk and then being reduced to ten men after 72 minutes of the Second Leg in St Petersburg with the score at 2-0, I think it is safe to say Zenit St Petersburg were massive outsiders to reach the Europa League Play Off Round. Somehow they managed to still win the Second Leg 4-0 and then amazingly completed an 8-1 win in extra time to beat their Belarusian opponents. Zenit St Petersburg are now unbeaten in 7 home games in European competition and they have won 6 of those, although missing out on the Champions League places at the end of last season was a blow. They are the only team in Russia who have won all 4 League games played this season, while Zenit St Petersburg are unbeaten in 7 at home in all competitions and have won 6 of those including all 3 played this season.



MOLDE

Being in the middle of the domestic season can be a real advantage for some clubs at this stage of the new season for so many others. That is what Molde will be hoping as they continue their progress in the Europa League which began in the First Qualifying Round. The first game played in Europe ended in a surprise 2-1 loss at Glenavon, but Molde crushed them in the Second Leg and have been comfortable winners to make it through to the Play Off Round. The side have won 1 of their last 5 away European games although Molde will be confident having lost just 2 of their last 7 on their travels at what should be considered a higher level than Norwegian Football. Molde are someway off the top of the Norwegian domestic League and they saw their 7 game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end in a 3-1 loss at Stabaek in their last game. They had only lost 1 of their last 5 away games in all competitions prior to that defeat this past weekend.



HEAD TO HEAD

This is the first time Zenit St Petersburg and Molde are facing one another in a competitive fixture.



PREDICTION

For all intents and purposes Zenit St Petersburg should be out of the Europa League but they somehow produced a miraculous recovery against Dinamo Minsk and they are now the favourites to progress to the Group Stage. I do expect Zenit St Petersburg will have too much for Molde over two Legs even if the Norwegian club have impressed to get into the Play Off Round. There is no doubt Molde are facing a considerable step up in terms of quality of opponent in this Round compared to who they have played earlier in the Europa League. They have proven to be a tough nut to crack for teams over the last few years at this level, but Zenit St Petersburg have been very strong at home and I think they have a big lead to take to Norway for the Second Leg. I will back Zenit St Petersburg to cover the Asian Handicap in the First Leg as they look to get the tie done here.