The Matchday 4 encounter of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Zenit and Akhmat will take place on September 17 at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg. Zenit vs. Akhmat: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's team defeated Orenburg 5-3 away in the last round. The St. Petersburg club has won all three matches in the current Russian Cup campaign. Furthermore, Zenit has triumphed in 12 of their last 13 games in this tournament (1 loss). However, they conceded more than two goals for the first time in their previous 24 Russian Cup matches. Zenit leads Group A and is also the top-scoring team (10 goals) among all participants in the group stage. A victory in the upcoming game will secure their place in the playoffs.
- At least one opponent has failed to score in 5 of Zenit's last 7 Russian Cup matches.
- The club has a 7-match winning streak at home in this tournament.
- In their last 11 home games in the Russian Cup, the team has conceded just one goal.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-3-3)
Yevgeny Latyshonok – Douglas Santos, Nuraly Alip, Roman Vega, Nino – Alexander Erokhin, Arsen Adamov, Yaroslav Mikhailov – Luciano Gondou, Mateo Cassierra, Maxim Glushenkov.
Akhmat
In the last round, Grozny's side defeated Rubin 2-0 at home. This is only the second victory for the team in their last 8 Russian Cup matches (6 losses). Additionally, Akhmat kept a clean sheet for the first time in their previous eight games in this tournament. Akhmat scored in their sixth consecutive Russian Cup match. In Group A, Stanislav Cherchesov's team occupies the 2nd spot, trailing leaders Zenit by 6 points.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Akhmat's last 7 Russian Cup games.
- The team has lost 5 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament (2 wins).
- In 7 of their last 8 away games in the Russian Cup, Akhmat has not conceded more than two goals.
Predicted lineup for Akhmat (4-5-1)
Vadim Ulyanov – Usman Ndong, Darko Todorovic, Rizvan Utsiev, Turpal-Ali Ibyshev – Mehdi Zare, Ismael Silva, Egas Kasintura, Brian Mansilla, Lechi Sadulaev – Georgy Melkadze.
Referee
Rafael Shafeev (Russia)
Matches – 6 (Russian Cup, 2022/23 - 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 27;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 0%.
Zenit vs. Akhmat: Match Prediction
Zenit's only defeat this season came against Akhmat in the 4th round of the RPL. The desire for revenge will add motivation for Sergei Semak's team, although even without additional factors, they have shown excellent results in the Russian Cup. At home, Zenit has won 7 consecutive matches in this tournament, showcasing outstanding defensive play by conceding just one goal during this period.
Akhmat has not been pleasing their fans with results in the Russian Cup. The victory over Rubin in the last round was only their second in the last 8 matches in this tournament (6 losses). Akhmat is facing Zenit for the third consecutive time in the group stage of the national Cup, and the previous two trips to St. Petersburg have not yielded points for Akhmat. Moreover, the recent victory over Zenit ended a 7-match losing streak in official head-to-head encounters with the St. Petersburg club.
My prediction: Zenit to win
