Zenit vs Spartak: ready for a high-stakes clash in Saint Petersburg
A former Spartak Moscow standout, Evgeny Lovchev, now in Saint Petersburg, shares expectations about the upcoming meeting between Zenit and Spartak. Speaking on a telegraph channel, Lovchev weighed in on the chances for both sides and suggested that Zenit might feel extra pressure ahead of the match. He cautioned that there is no absolute certainty about a Zenit victory and hinted that Spartak could pose real problems for the reigning champions.
The Russian Premier League schedule has Zenit welcoming Spartak on May 7, a key fixture in Round 26. The kickoff is set for 18:00 Moscow time, and the outcome could reshape the title picture for the 2022/23 season. A Zenit win would stretch their lead and push toward clinching the title ahead of schedule, while a Spartak victory would throw fresh fuel into the title race and keep the chase alive for the runners-up spot.
Zenit currently sits 11 points clear of Rostov, who occupy second place, but a recent setback came as a surprise. Valery Karpin’s squad suffered a notable loss to Fakel Voronezh, a result that sparked discussions about the balance of power in the league and the potential for a dramatic finish in the standings.
Yegor Titov, a former Spartak player who also represented Russia at the national level, commented that Spartak’s goals could come from a potent front line featuring Promes, Sobolev, and Nicholson. Titov emphasized that disciplined attacking play and precise execution could hurt Zenit on the day, underscoring the need for the visitors to capitalize on counterattacks and set plays. The clash promises to be decided by the tactical approach of Sergei Semak and the execution of Zenit’s strengths, as well as Spartak’s ability to exploit any defensive gaps.