Chelsea Vs Zenit St Petersburg Prediction, Odds And Team News

Two-time European champions Chelsea will host Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as they look to continue their stamp of authority on the competition.

The Blues go into this season's coveted tournament backed by the confidence of having gone all the way last season, upsetting the odds to be crowned champions after beating Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

First up for the holders is a home clash against Russian giants Zenit, but their days of regularly reaching the knockout rounds are long past.

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Zenit have lost six of their last seven Champions League matches, while Chelsea have avoided defeat in each of their last 11 group matches - and that should tell you all you need to know.

Ahead of the game, our tipster Robert Mann takes a look at some of the best bets from Chelsea vs Zenit St Petersburg to get your teeth stuck into.

Chelsea vs Zenit St Petersburg betting tips & predictions

Chelsea are 1/6 to win, with Zenit St Petersburg priced at 16/1 to come away with the victory. A draw is priced at 6/1.

Prediction: 3-0 (6/1)

First Goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku (15/8)

Romelu Lukaku has made an instant impact on his second spell at Chelsea, scoring three goals in three games since his sensational return.

The Belgian powerhouse has scored the opening goal three times in his last five matches and, as a result of that, we're backing him to repeat the feat once again tonight.

To Win Both Halves: Chelsea (7/5)

Lukaku has provided extra firepower and has already demonstrated his value to the side since joining this summer.

Interestingly, in the two matches held at Stamford Bridge this season, the Blues have enjoyed comfortable 3-0 wins and have scored goals in both halves of those games.

Win to Nil: Chelsea (4/6)

On the road, Zenit St Petersburg have failed to score in three of their last four European encounters and there is little evidence to suggest that will change against the champions of Europe.

Thomas Tuchel took the Blues to the next level in last years' European campaign, keeping five clean sheets in their seven knockout games, conceding just two goals along the way to lifting the trophy.

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are, as always, subject to change.

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Chelsea team news

Chelsea will start their Champions League defence without American winger Christian Pulisic, while there remain doubts over midfield maestro N'Golo Kante.

Meanwhile, Jorginho should be joined in midfield by Mateo Kovacic, however, new signing Saul Niguez is also a contender - despite a difficult debut.

Zenit St Petersburg team news

Long linked with a move to England, Zenit's star striker Sardar Azmoun will start in a predicted front two for the visitors.

Sergei Semak's side will also travel without midfielder Magomed Ozdoyev, who injured knee ligaments eight minutes into their opening league fixture in late July.