From Russia with Love: Zenit Saint Petersburg vs AC Milan

For pre-match expectations and post-match discussion.

The clock has been ticking and too soon we find ourselves in a situation where we must begin to produce season defining performances. Perhaps less so in a forgiving league campaign, however in Europe, following a toothless display at home against Anderlecht, we require a response worthy of this club in a very difficult away fixture. Zenit have failed to truly fire in their own league campaign and were on the wrong side of a 3-0 score line on the first Match Day, however any trip to Russia is a difficult proposition, particularly for a side that still lacks confidence in its own ability. Our side will require a resilience and single-minded approach towards obtaining a result under any circumstances in this fixture, putting out of its mind the upcoming derby to focus on entering two very difficult home and away ties with Malaga with some momentum and confidence. Ahead of arguably our two most difficult ties, it is crucial that we do not once more stumble in Europe.

The speculated line-up has several variables, though it would appear that Antonini shall play at left back, with De Sciglio's fitness not being risked, whilst the experienced Ambrosini will lead the side in De Jong's stead. The central partnership would appear to be contested between Mexes, Zapata and Bonera, whilst Robinho may make his return to the starting line-up in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 in place of Kevin Prince Boateng. Montolivo's return to the Champions League shall be crucial to our ability to compete and create in midfield, whilst El Shaarawy will be given the opportunity to start for the first time as perhaps our key attacker. His response to such new found responsibility on the European stage will be pivotal, however this must overall be a team effort, and we can not expect to burden and play through a single player, especially one so young. The likes of Montolivo and Nocerino will require far more concentrated efforts in midfield than they have thus managed, both in protecting a defence that has not yet settled as a unit and in ensuring that our possession has purpose and drive. Our fullbacks will be tasked with engaging a mobile attack that is supported well from the deep. Balance and concentration are particularly essential for a side that has often looked uncertain of itself both after conceding and scoring, particularly given Zenit's habit of bursting into life sporadically. The inconsistency of both sides in both attack and defence will render this a game to be decided by the clinical nature of the sides, not by the dominance of one or the other.

As for Zenit, there are still questions over whether their controversial captain Denisov will be allowed back into their starting line-up, whilst Domenico Criscito looks set to be available, having missed the first match against Malaga. The Russian side have not suffered a defeat in European competition on home soil since a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in 2008, days in which they were still finding their feet in Europe, and have since gone on a 16 match unbeaten streak at home. We will meanwhile be searching for our first away victory in the Champions League since the defeat of Auxerre back in the group stage of 2010.

Allegri's press conference ahead of the clash:"I knew it was a well balance group and it will be with Milan and Zenit fighting for a place in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Tomorrow we have to show that we are a good team from a technical point of view and we have a lot of improving to do. I am only thinking about my team and not about the names linked to my job, which are numerous. We played well at Parma but didn't win. I love the job I do and this team has changed a lot in recent months so we have also had to change the way we play a little."

"I have watched Zenit games before and after the crisis and they are an excellent team. The Russian league is on the up and they are attracting lot of quality players. Hulk and Witsel are excellent players and they have improved the side."

Official line-ups will be added to the opening post as they become available.

Great title. Should be a very interesting match. Whilst Zenit's record is imposing, I'm hoping that we can get a result out of this game, or else we will soon be gone from Europe.

I have a good feeling about this game, I think we'll win it!

I know it's difficult to play in russia, but I believe we will get a result from this game

Our away form in Europe under Allegri hasn't been something to look forward for confidence. Though Zenit have been undergoing a situation worse than ours, Spalletti is a master tactician and he'd be looking to exploit our shortcomings. In the interview, Allegri emphasized on the technical aspect of our game, which makes me believe that the team will not lay back and will try to dominate proceedings.

A draw in Russia wouldn't be such a bad result,considering our form right now, but a win would make us approach the following ties against Malaga with more confidence and a feeling of authority.

Sky:
Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Antonini; De Jong, Montolivo; Emanuelson, Boateng, El Shaarawy; Bojan.

I'm happy with the lineup, apparently MDS had ankle sprain but should be ready for Inter.

Obviously, keys are SES keeping their RB defending to minimize attacks on Antonini and De Jong covering for him.

Abate vs Critisico and Hulk is key but Abate can keep them quiet, Boateng have to track down though.

Witsel is injured, thats good luck for us.

Bojan instead of Pazzini is amazing, their defenders are big and slow, Bojan is agile.

Monty have to control the midfield or we'll have to switch to 4312/433 with Boateng as the LCM, which means Emanuelson as a pure right winger, forcing Critisico to defend and not attack, leaving only Hulk to challenge Abate.


Overall, the best lineup we can field currently, good job by Allegri!

If I'm not wrong Hulk usually plays wide right which means he'll be facing Antonini and Mexes. All he'll be doing is cutting into his left foot, so if Antonini doesn't show him the inside, Hulk's effect in the game can be curbed quite easily.

And Witsel and Denisov won't be available which means we have more chances of controlling the midfield

we are playing surprisingly well

goooooooooooooool urby!


omg ses

SES ...

Italy's future looks great with players like SES, Verratti, Insigne etc...

Never knew milan were playing right now thought they would play later in the day.

But thank god its only the 20th min.

How were Emanuelson and El Shaawarma goals?

Just saw El Shawarmas goal

Prefer Bojan instead of Pazzini tbh.

its very clear that we are playing 4-2-3-1

ABBIATI IS BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAST!

why are we giving hulk so much space...

typical milan have a lead lose it *sigh*

how long will it take for boateng to be *bleep* benched

from 2-0 to 2-2 at the defence

Also Hulk has been tremendous in this game

everybody looks all over the place for both teams now wtf

nice shot, bad defending there by Milan

and thank god for Abbiati

hole in the net

zenit are getting closer to a goal here, milan better glue the space between the CBs, Zenit seems to find a pass through them very easily

Nocerino on

was that a late kick by antonini?? lucky he didn't get carded there