UEFA cup: Zenit vs. Villarreal

On paper Villarreal may seem clear favorites to win both legs of this draw, but it will be a lot harder for the Spanish outfit than most people think, especially this first leg. Modest Zenit have not lost a home match in a European competition since 1999, which means they have an impressive twenty one match unbeaten run. This could end though, as Zenit coach Dick Advocaat has a terrible record facing Spanish opposition.

Villarreal go into this game after a hard fought one nil away win in La Liga against second from bottom club Murcia, and have lost just twice in the last eight games; a one nil away defeat to Barcelona in the King’s cup and an entertaining three two loss to Real Madrid in the league at the Bernabeu stadium. They are currently third in the league and are looking to earn a Champions League spot next season.

Zenit meanwhile have won the Russian Vischaya league by two points ahead of Spartak Moscow. The problem for Zenit now is that they haven’t played a competitive game since losing away to Everton in the group stage of the UEFA cup back in December, and Villarreal will travel to the Russia fully fit and immersed in two competitions.

Zenit’s Nicolas Lombaerts misses this match due to suspension and his teammate Radek Sirl has to be careful as another yellow card will see him get a one match ban as well. Villarreal don’t have any suspension or injury worries and will travel to Russia with a full strength squad, another reason to suspect the Spanish outfit could take this match.

I’m going for a narrow Villarreal victory, principally because it is the off season in Russia the Zenit lack regular competitive games.  Villarreal’s goalkeeper, Diego López, is having a fantastic season so far and could be a big influence on the final score. He left Real Madrid in the summer because of lack of minutes and has really taken La Liga by storm.

Prediction: Away win (0-2)