Borussia Dortmund travels to the Krestovsky Stadium for the ultimate game of the UEFA Champions League group stage games.
The visitors have secured themselves a place in the Round of 16 of the competition, however, the top spot of Group F remains up for grabs. If Dortmund can secure a win, they will finish in first place in the group comprising Lazio, Club Brugge, and Zenit St Petersburg.
The previous meeting between the two sides at the Signal Iduna Park resulted in a convincing 2-0 victory for Dortmund, with Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland on the score-sheet.
Given Erling Haaland’s absence, Youssoufa Moukoko may be given his first start for the senior team.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Venue: Krestovsky Stadium
Date: Tuesday, December 8
Time: 17:55 GMT
TEAM NEWS
Zenit will be without recent recruit, Dejan Lovren, who has been unavailable for selection in the Russian team’s last 3 games.
Borussia Dortmund will be without their star striker Erling Haaland, who suffered a muscular injury keeping him out until January 2021.
Further, Thomas Meunier’s calf injury means he will not play on Tuesday. The other three injury concerns, i.e., Thomas Delaney (back injury), Manuel Akanji (knee injury), and Raphael Guerreiro (muscular problems) all face a race against time to take part in the final group stage game of the UCL.
Reinier Jesus, who tested positive for COVID-19, is not expected to be back either. Finally, Marcel Schmelzer is a long-term absentee.
RECENT FORM
Zenit St Petersburg: Sergei Semak’s side has been doing well in the Russian Premier League. They won their most recent game against FC Ural Yekaterinburg in spectacular fashion.
However, the same cannot be said for their form in the Champions League. The table-toppers in Russia are having an abysmal season in Europe, losing 4 out of the 5 games so far. Their most recent defeat came against Club Brugge.
Borussia Dortmund: Ever since the international break concluded, Lucien Favre’s team has been going through a bit of a rough patch. The last three results have not been favourable for the Bundesliga title-chasers.
In Germany’s top-flight league, Dortmund has drawn and lost their 2 most recent games. The draw against Frankfurt and the loss against Koln, opponents the club would normally beat with ease.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Zenit St. Petersburg: Kerzhakov – Sutormin, Prokhin, Rakytskyy, Zhirkov – Ozdoev, Barrios – Kuzyaev, Azmoun, Malcom – Dzyuba
Borussia Dortmund: Burki – Piszczek, Hummels, Can – Morey, Witsel, Bellingham, Schulz – Reus, Hazard – Moukoko
