The Matchday 9 clash in the Russian Premier League between Krasnodar and Zenit will take place on September 21 at the Ozon Arena. Krasnodar vs. Zenit: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Krasnodar
Murad Musayev's side secured a home victory against Akron (2-1) in the previous round. This win marked their fifth in the last six Premier League matches (1 draw). Notably, Krasnodar conceded in two consecutive games for the first time this season, yet they have allowed only five goals overall, which is the best defensive record in the league (tied with Baltika). Additionally, Krasnodar recorded their highest number of shots on target this season with nine (average 5.2) against the Tolyatti side. The team continues to lead the standings, three points ahead of their closest rival.
- Krasnodar has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 5 of their last 7 RPL games.
- At home, the team has won 8 of their last 9 league matches (1 loss).
- In 5 of their last 7 home games in this tournament, Krasnodar has conceded at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Krasnodar (4-5-1)
Stanislav Agkatsev – Jubal, Vitor Tormena, Sergey Petrov, Lucas Olaza – Eduard Spertsyan, Joao Batchi, Gaetan Perrin, Nikita Krivtsov, Douglas Augusto – John Cordoba.
Defender Moses Kobnan and midfielder Alexander Chernikov are injured. Defender Diego Costa is suspended.
Zenit
The St. Petersburg side shared points in an away match against Baltika (0-0) last round. Sergei Semak's team has not won in 5 of their last 7 league games (4 draws, 1 loss), but they have kept clean sheets in three consecutive matches in this tournament. Zenit ended a streak of three games with at least two goals scored, managing only three shots on target against the Kaliningrad side (average total is twice as much). In the standings, Zenit has dropped to 6th place, with a four-point gap from Krasnodar.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 15 of their last 17 Premier League games.
- Away from home, Zenit has not lost in 7 of their last 8 league matches (2 wins, 5 draws).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 6 of Zenit's last 8 away RPL matches.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Denis Adamov – Douglas Santos, Vanya Drkusic, Nino, Gustavo Mantuan – Maxim Glushenkov, Wilmar Barrios, Luis Henrique, Wendel, Andrey Mostovoy – Pedro Henrique.
Defender Vyacheslav Karavaev and midfielder Gerson are injured.
Referee
Sergey Karasev (Russia)
Matches – 20 (RPL, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 88;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 9;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 30%.
Match Prediction: Krasnodar vs. Zenit
Krasnodar has struggled against Zenit at home, losing 6 of their last 8 league meetings, but Murad Musayev's side has a chance to improve this record in the upcoming match. Krasnodar has been more impressive this season, dropping points only twice. Zenit, on the other hand, has only two wins in their last seven Premier League matches, with victories against Makhachkala and Nizhny Novgorod. Moreover, Zenit has yet to win away in the RPL 2025/26 season (3 draws, 1 loss).
Sergei Semak is unlikely to risk playing attacking football against Krasnodar, although Zenit needs to catch up with their opponent. Nearly half of Zenit's goals this season have come in just two matches, and in the previous round, they recorded only 0.21 xG, their third-lowest under Sergei Semak's management.
Krasnodar's scoring pattern is similar: 11 of their 20 goals were scored against Orenburg and Krylia Sovetov. Zenit will not allow such freedom in their penalty area. Additionally, Zenit has kept three consecutive clean sheets in the RPL. The importance of the match will likely prompt Murad Musayev's side to play cautiously.
My prediction: Krasnodar will not lose and Total under 3.5 goals
