Zenit St. Petersburg was in the improbable situation of needing to overturn a 4-0 deficit to progress past Dinamo Minsk. The gargantuan task became even harder when Leandro Paredes was booked for the second time and left the pitch in the 72nd minute. Yet, two goals from Russia’s World Cup hero Artem Dzyuba forced extra time. That alone was incredible, but what happened next was simply ridiculous. Dinamo Minsk scored an away goal which meant Zenit needed two more to move on. Driussi scored one and then Dzyuba rounded up a fantastic night with a hat-trick from the penalty spot. Mak added two more in injury time to complete a remarkable 8-1 second leg.
Bet on 2/7 Zenit draw 19/4 Molde 8/1 with bet365
Zenit – Molde Preview
Riding the wave of that victory, Zenit St. Petersburg defeated Ural 4-1 and are the only perfect team after four rounds in the domestic league. Sebastian Driussi earned himself a start with his performance against Dinamo Minsk and didn’t disappoint, scoring two goals versus Ural Yekaterinburg. Maybe Sergei Semak will be the manager who finally realizes Driussi’s potential and lets him play every game.
Molde are currently fourth in Norway’s Eliteserien and recently lost to endangered Stabaek 3-1. They eliminated Glenavon, Laci and Hibernian in the previous three qualification rounds, but is a whole different beast. Molde will have a mountain to climb in Saint Petersburg. The match starts at 18:00 CET at Krestovsky Stadium, a World Cup semi-final venue.
Bet365 Odds
Molde are huge underdogs, but they’ve scored in eight of their last ten away matches in the Europa League, while Zenit has only kept one single clean sheet in their last six home matches in this competition. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable to expect the Norwegian side to find the net at least once.
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score 2.5 (6/4)
Zenit to win and over 2.5 goals 1.83 (5/6)
Zenit to win and both teams to score 3.1 (21/10)
Bet on 2/7 Zenit draw 19/4 Molde 8/1 with bet365
Injury News
Alexander Kokorin and Emanuel Hernán Mammana are still recovering from their serious injuries, while Ecuador international Christian Noboa suffered one this weekend which will likely keep him out on the sidelines for an extended period of time, considering he was carried off on a stretcher. Leandro Paredes will miss the game as well following his dismissal against Dinamo Minsk.
Midfielder Martin Ellingsen is set to miss the contest for the visitors.