The Matchday 4 clash of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Zenit and Akhmat will take place on September 17 at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg. Zenit vs. Akhmat: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Zenit
Sergei Semak's side defeated Orenburg 5-3 away in the last round. The team has won all three matches in the current Russian Cup campaign. Moreover, Zenit has triumphed in 12 of their last 13 matches in this tournament (1 loss). However, the club conceded more than two goals for the first time in 24 previous Russian Cup matches. Zenit leads Group A and is also the top-scoring team (10 goals) among all group stage participants. A victory in the upcoming game will secure their place in the playoffs.
- At least one opponent 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 the last 11 home games in the Russian Cup, the team has conceded only one goal.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-3-3)*
Evgeny Latyshonok – Douglas Santos, Nuraly Alip, Roman Vega, Nino – Alexander Erokhin, Arsen Adamov, Yaroslav Mikhailov – Luciano Gondou, Mateo Cassierra, Maxim Glushenkov.
Akhmat
The Grozny side defeated Rubin 2-0 at home in the last round. This is only the team's second win in their last 8 Russian Cup matches (6 losses). Additionally, the team kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight previous matches in this tournament. Akhmat has now scored in six consecutive Russian Cup matches. In Group A, Stanislav Cherchesov's side is in 2nd place, 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 Kasinatura, Brian Mansilla, Lechi Sadulaev – Georgiy Melkadze.
Midfielder Ismael Silva is suspended.
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 side, although the team already shows excellent results in the Russian Cup. At home, Zenit has won 7 consecutive matches in this tournament, showcasing impressive defensive play by conceding only one goal during this stretch.
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 win in the last 8 matches in this tournament (6 losses). The club is meeting Zenit for the third consecutive time in the group stage of the national cup, and the previous two trips to Saint Petersburg did not bring Akhmat any points. Moreover, the recent victory over Zenit ended a 7-match losing streak in official head-to-head encounters with the Saint Petersburg team.
My prediction: Zenit to Win
