Avtodor vs Zenit. Preview
Opponent
A little over two months have passed since our last meeting. Since then, a lot has changed. Zenit is now led by Dejan Radonjić, and the team has undergone significant changes both in terms of playing style and roster — Johnny Juzang and Ismaёl Bako have joined the squad in St. Petersburg.
There have also been coaching changes in Saratov. Milenko Bogićević left his position, and his assistant Stipe Kuliš was appointed head coach. Under the new coach, Avtodor has secured only one victory so far — against Samara — and currently sits in second-to-last place in the standings, right next to their Volga region neighbors. In addition, the team lost its top scorer more than a month ago — Alen Hadžibegović transferred to Loko.
Despite Avtodor’s overall position this season, Zenit faces an important and tough away matchup that will be significant in the closing stages of the VTB United League regular season.
Head-to-head
The previous three games this season were won by Zenit, and the overall head-to-head record stands at 26-6 in favor of the team from the Northern capital.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Dejan Radonjić commented ahead of the game in Saratov:
Our focus is on us. We understand how important the right approach to the upcoming game. We need to play with enough energy throughout all 40 minutes.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Avtodor
Location: Kristall Sports Palace, Saratov
Date: April 2, 18:00 (St. Petersburg time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start
