On January 24, 2025, Zenit Saint Petersburg will face the Jordan national football team in a friendly match at the Al-Arabi Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The match is set to kick off at 20:00 Moscow time, marking another opportunity for both teams to assess their strategies and player forms as they head toward upcoming competitions.
This will be the second meeting of the two teams within just days; their first friendly on January 21 ended in a 1-1 draw, with each team scoring and demonstrating the competitive spirit they bring to the pitch. Zenit, currently positioned second in the Russian Premier League (RPL), is eager to regain momentum after struggling through December, where they faced unexpected losses against Kryl'ya Sovetov (2-3) and Akron (1-2).
With both teams preparing for more significant tournaments, this friendly match offers Zenit the chance to refine their tactics and integrate new signings, most prominently Brazil's Luis Henrique from Botafogo—a significant purchase reported around €33 million. This transfer not only bolsters their attack but also highlights Zenit's ambition to secure their standing as champions of Russia.
Meanwhile, the Jordan national team, under the management of Jamal Sellami, is building on their recent successes on the international stage. They reached the final of the Asian Cup held last year but fell short against Qatar. Now, they are gearing up for World Cup 2026 qualifiers where they currently sit just two points away from the playoff zone. The team's recent form shows they are on the rise, having not lost their last four matches, including their draw against Zenit.
"The match on January 21 ended with no winner, 1-1," reported Metaratings. This encounter served as the backdrop for both teams to evaluate their strengths and areas for improvement. Jordan's squad features players who have shown impressive form domestically, contributing to their rise as formidable competitors on the Asian football scene.
Experts are optimistic about this upcoming match, predicting it could be more high-scoring than the last encounter. "Zenit is expected to push for at least three goals, thanks to their attacking prowess and Jordan's commendable defense," suggested a forecast from stavkiprognozy.ru. The expectation is not only for Zenit to emerge as strong contenders but also for Jordan to assert their capabilities as they prepare tough strategies to face such seasoned opponents.
Historical performance indicates Zenit has proven difficult to beat at home, especially during friendly matches. They haven't lost at home for 14 consecutive friendlies, making them the clear favorites going forward. With recent challenges laid upon the squad, including the departure of several key players like Wendell, the team must now adapt quickly to maintain their status at the top of Russian football.
Jordan's strategy evidently revolves around their collective strength and tactical discipline, which has helped them avoid defeat frequently, making them less predictable. This balance of talent and teamwork should keep Zenit's defense alert and might prove decisive during this encounter.
Both teams recognize the importance of this friendly not only as preparation for league action but also as grounds for displaying their growth and readiness for upcoming competitions. The friendly match will be available for viewing on the MATCH! channel, illustrating the growing interest around football friendly matches on international scales.
When evaluating the odds, Zenit is seen as the clear favorite, with bookmakers leaning heavily on their home advantage and strong roster. The overall expectation is for more than 2.5 goals to be scored during the match, considering both teams' offensive adjustments and desire to secure victories.
Observe closely on January 24 as Zenit looks to assert their dominance against Jordan, aiming to turn the previous match’s stalemate to their advantage—ultimately providing fans with thrilling football action to watch.