In a highly anticipated clash in the 25th round of the Mir Russian Premier League, Zenit St. Petersburg is set to host Khimki at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on April 20, 2025. The match kicks off at 16:30 Moscow time, with Pavel Shadykhanov officiating the game alongside his assistants Andrei Bolotenkov and Valentin Murashov. The reserve referee is Ivan Sidenkov, while VAR duties will be handled by Artem Chistyakov and AVAR by Artur Fedorov.
Zenit, currently sitting in third place with 50 points, is looking to solidify their position in the league after a strong start to the season. In contrast, Khimki finds themselves in 12th place with just 23 points, battling to climb higher in the standings. The stakes are high as both teams aim to secure crucial points in this pivotal match.
Zenit's starting lineup features key players such as goalkeeper Latyshonok, defenders Santos and Drkusic, midfielders Wendel and Barrios, and forwards Pedro and Luciano. Coach Sergei Semak has shown confidence in his squad, opting to field Wendel, Andrei Mostovoy, and Pedro from the start. The full lineup is as follows: Latyshonok, Santos, Drkusic, Nino, Mostovoy, Barrios, Wendel, Enrique, Glushenkov, Pedro, and Luciano.
Meanwhile, Khimki's lineup includes goalkeeper Kokarev, defenders Dzhikiya and Filin, and midfielders Mirzov and Vera. Coach Magomed Adiev has placed his trust in Anton Zabolotny and Lukas Vera to deliver a strong performance. The starting eleven for Khimki is Kokarev, Dzhikiya, Filin, Stepanov, Fernandes, Mirzov, Berkovsky, Vera, Korrdera, Mekhia, and Zabolotny.
Notably, Zenit will be without key players Sergei Volkov and Vyacheslav Karavaev due to injuries, which could impact their defensive strategy. On the other hand, Khimki will miss the services of Diego Luna, who is sidelined with an injury, and Zelimkhan Bakaev, who is serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, especially considering the teams’ previous meeting earlier this season, which ended in a 1:1 draw. Both teams will be eager to improve their standings and secure a win. Zenit’s strong home record will be a significant factor as they look to capitalize on their home advantage.
Zenit’s chairman Aleksandr Medvedev has expressed optimism about the team’s performance, stating, “We are focused on securing a win today and continuing our push for the top of the table.” This sentiment echoes throughout the Zenit camp as players and fans alike hope for a triumphant display.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere at the Gazprom Arena is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two sides. The stakes are high, and both teams know that every point counts as the season progresses.
In other league news, Wolverhampton recently secured a narrow victory over Manchester United, further intensifying the competition at the top of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow triumphed in their latest match with a score of 3:2, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the league.
With kickoff just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Gazprom Arena as Zenit and Khimki battle it out for vital points in the Mir Russian Premier League. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Match TV starting at 16:00 and on MATCH PREMIER from 16:25.
