CSKA vs Zenit. Preview

The blue-whites team is heading for an away game against one of its main rivals and competitors for the top spot in the championship. The showdown with CSKA promises to be the highlight of the weekend in the VTB United League. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming match.

Context

Almost two months have passed since our last meeting. During this period, CSKA has played 11 games, suffering two losses — both times falling to Lokomotiv Kuban. Despite these setbacks, Andreas Pistiolis’ team remains at the top of the regular season standings with 24 wins and 4 losses. Meanwhile, Zenit, with one more defeat, holds the 3rd position.

In their latest VTB United League game, CSKA confidently defeated Uralmash on the road with a score of 94:67. A key factor in that game was their long-range shooting — CSKA hit 14 three-pointers with a 43.8% accuracy. It’s no surprise that this team boasts the league’s top three-point shooter. Moscow guard Ivan Ukhov leads the league with an impressive 55.1% success rate from beyond the arc.

CSKA is the highest-scoring team in the championship, averaging 90.9 points per game. Their main scorers and playmakers are guards Melo Trimble (14.8 points, 3.9 assists) and Aleksa Avramovic (14.2 points, 3.5 assists).

Head-to-head

The first game in Moscow ended with a CSKA victory (83:77), while Zenit claimed the rematch in St. Petersburg (82:78). The upcoming clash will be the 53rd meeting in VTB United League history. So far, the Moscow team holds a strong advantage with 33 wins against 19 for blue-whites.

Quotes

Zenit head coach Xavi Pascual shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against CSKA:

It's one game more in this regular season but one important game as all the derbies. We are going to play against the leader of the competition. We know that it's going to be extremely difficult to win. But first of all we are going there trying to improve our game. Now we are in a new situation, still waiting one player, with the situation without Moon. So now we are in a new situation but we are going to be ready to compete as much as we can and to play a good game. And to try to understand exactly which one is the level that we have as of now.

Who. Where. When. 

Opponent: CSKA

Location: Megasport Arena, Moscow

Date: February 2, 12:30 (St. Petersburg time)

Broadcast: Match TV, VTB United League website, Okko Sport, Start TV