MATCH OF THE DAQ showed a profit on the Real Madrid v Man U game last night and now previews Zenit St Petersburg v Liverpool (Europa League K.O 17.00, ITV 4)

Zenit St Petersburg v Liverpool
Europa League
K.O 17.00, ITV 4

HEAD TO HEAD
(Max 10 only)
Never previously met

PREVIEW
There were high hopes in Russia this year that big-spending Zenit St Petersburg could make a splash in Europe’s biggest tournament but, having failed to escape a Champions League group containing AC Milan, Malaga and Anderlecht, they find themselves relegated to the Europa League.

They host Liverpool tonight in the first leg of their last-32 tie and Zenit are favourites at around 2.46 on BETDAQ to take advantage of a slightly weakened Reds team.

The Reds’ cup-tied new signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho are absentees for the tricky test but the Russians haven’t played a competitive game since the 10th December. They’ve won three and lost three of the friendlies they have played since then.

Liverpool have only won one of their last six games and have lost three of those. The 2-0 home defeat to West Brom on Monday was embarrassing and they’ve also lost five and won just two of their last 11 away matches in the Europa League. Therefore, it’s little surprise to see them as big as 3.25 on BETDAQ.

This is the first meeting between the sides but Brendan Rodgers’ team did play Russian opponents in the group stages, winning home and losing away to Anzhi Makhachkala. Zenit fans have a reputation for creating an intimidating atmosphere and it’s hard to see Liverpool avoiding defeat, especially if they play like they did on Monday.

Zenit look good value to gain the upper advantage and the 1-0 scoreline also appeals in what will probably be a tight affair.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Zenit at around 2.46 on BETDAQ: 4 points
Back Zenit to win 1-0 at around 8.8 on BETDAQ: 1 point

Wednesday: +4.32 points
FEBRUARY RETURN TO DATE: -21.68 points

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