Champions League preview and odds: KAA Gent vs Zenit

Published on: 07/12/2015

Champions League preview and odds: KAA Gent vs Zenit

December 09, 2015 19:45pm - KAA Gent Stadium

Champions League

Qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League is still in the hands of KAA Gent, but they must overcome a Zenit side that is looking to finish their campaign with a perfect record.

Tough test for Vanhaezebrouck`s men

KAA Gent go into the final round of group matches with a one point advantage over Valencia, knowing that a win would see them through to the knockout phase. They can still qualify with a draw or defeat if Gary Neville`s Spanish team fail to beat Lyon in the other Group H game.

The Belgian champions have lost just once in their last 22 competitive home matches in all competitions. If they are successful on Wednesday, they will be the first Belgian team to make it to the round of 16 since Anderlecht back in 2000/01. If they fail to qualify, they are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Europa league.

Zenit looking to maintain 100% record

Zenit are on course to become just the sixth team ever to win every group stage game in the UEFA Champions League. The last team to achieve the feat was Carlo Ancelottis`s Real Madrid in last year`s campaign. If Valencia do not win at home to Lyon, Andre Villa-Boas men could finish the group with an 11 point cushion over the second-placed team.

Team news

The Belgians may have to cope without the services of Brecht Dejaegere, Lasse Nielsen and Danijel Milicevic who were all injured in a recent domestic cup game. They will join the already injured trio of Thomas Matton, Hannes Van Der Bruggen and Nicklas Pedersen in the treatment room.

Meanwhile, the Russian side are without Witsel, who is serving a one-game ban - and Viktor Fayzulin, who is injured. Igor Smolnikov remains on the doubtful list.

Recent form (All competitions)

KAA Gent: DWWWW

Zenit: DLWWL

Betting odds and tips

Gent have home advantage and everthing to play for, while Zenit will be looking to go into the Russian winter break on a high with 100% record in Group H. As a result, this should be a competitive and exciting game. The Belgians went down 2-1 in the reverse fixture and can be expected to push Zenit all the way once again. You can back the home side to win at 11/8 with Betfred.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 07/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/12/2015 15:44:36) but are subject to change.