RED-HOT RB Leipzig could hardly be in better form as they head to St Petersburg for a clash with Zenit that could prove pivotal in Group G of the Champions League.
The Germans have bagged an incredible 14 goals in their last two games, following up a 6-1 thrashing of Wolfsburg in the Cup with an 8-0 Bundesliga hammering of Mainz.
Star striker Timo Werner netted five goals
across those two games but the fact seven other players also got on the scoresheet underlines that Leipzig are far from a one-man team.
Having beaten Zenit 2-1 in Germany last time out in the Champions League, Julian Nagelsmann's men will head to Russia full of confidence but Zenit away is one of the toughest assignments in Europe.
The Russians have won 12 of their last 14 home matches in Europe, the only defeat coming against Villarreal as they bowed out of last season's Europa League in the last 16.
RB Leipzig can take some consolation from the fact they held Zenit to a 1-1 draw in Russia at the same stage of the Europa League two seasons ago, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win.
They would settle for a repeat of that scoreline here but I've a feeling home advantage might just give Zenit the edge. Marathonbet have the Russians league leaders at 2/1 for a home win and that looks superb value, given their record in St Petersburg.
That loss in Leipzig is Zenit's only defeat in their last seven games, although they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by CSKA Moscow in the league at the weekend.
Sergei Semak's men beat Benfica 3-1 at home in their Champions League opener and a repeat of that scoreline here pays a whopping 21/1 at BetVictor, which may be worth a speculative punt.
But on the evidence of their last meeting, this should be close so I'm more inclined to back a one-goal winning margin for either side at 7/5 with Betway.
After his recent goalscoring exploits, I expected to see Werner odds-on for a goal here but he's as big as 29/20 with 888Sport so snap that up. The Germany hitman has 14 goals from 18 appearances this season and when you're in that kind of form you rifle home most chances that come your way.
I tipped Zenit's Artem Dzyuba to find the net in Germany only for the big man to let me down. But he's still such a menace so I'll be on the battering ram for a goal here at 8/5 with Paddy Power.
Dzyuba scored the opener in the win over Benfica and has been taking Zenit's penalties, making him excellent value at those odds. He has been suffering from a virus but returned at the weekend to face CSKA so should be fit to start against Leipzig.
The Germans should have Kevin Kampl back after he also spent some time on the sidelines with illness. The midfielder was on the bench against Mainz and will be pushing for a start in Russia. But winger Ademola Lookman could miss out again with a back problem while Czech striker Patrick Schick is still struggling with an ankle problem.
This UEFA Champions League match between Zenit St Petersburg and RB Leipzig will be played on Nov 5, 2019 and kick off at 17:55. Check below for our tipsters best Zenit St Petersburg vs RB Leipzig prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.