The lack of competitive action might prove to be a problem for Zenit as they prepare to take on Liverpool, a team that are likely to see the Europa League campaign as the only way to save this season.

After spending almost €100 million on the likes of Hulk and Witsel last summer, the Sky Blues were tipped to shine in this year’s Champions League.

However, they were utterly disappointing in group stage and only managed to finish in third place in the standings.

The team also experienced some problems on domestic stage, but there is still plenty of time to return to the top of the Russian Premier League, seeing they are just five points behind leaders CSKA Moscow.

Having played their last competitive game on 10th December, Zenit spent last couple of months playing friendly games, and we cannot really say they have impressed in the process.

Despite defeats to Zamalek, Shakhtar and BATE Borisov, boss Luciano Spalletti believes his side are ready for competitive action, with Zenit 2.30 (13/10) at Paddy Power to win this game.

The Italian manager faces some selection problems ahead of the Liverpool clash, with Domenico Criscito sidelined through injury and Vladimir Bystrov suspended.

Good news is Tomas Hubocan has recovered from a knee problem, but Konstanin Zyryanov is doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Malafeev – Anyukov, Alves, Hubocan, Lombaerts – Witsel, Denisov, Shirokov – Hulk, Kerzhakov, Danny.

Liverpool go into this game on the back of a disappointing home defeat to West Brom, and maybe it’s a good thing this match comes less than 72 hours after the clash at Anfield.

The Reds obviously need to return to the right track and try to make the final push to save this season, and a good result in Russia would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been showing a lot of improvement of late, playing incredibly well in 2-2 draws with Arsenal and City, and they would have probably won against West Brom had Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot when the game was still scoreless.

Liverpool now face a tricky European tie, and while Rodgers will be tempted to rest some of his star players, he is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting line-up.

With that in mind, there may be some value in betting on away win, at odds of 3.40 (12/5) offered at BetFred.

Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho are ineligible having played for Chelsea and Inter respectively, but Fabio Borini is expected to be in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Reina – Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson – Allen, Gerrard – Sterling, Shelvey, Borini – Suarez.

As Seen on TV – World’s Finest Live Casino!

William Hill just rolled out their new high quality live casino room. Every new player at William Hill Live Casino can earn a bonus of £25. Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Sports Roulette & meet SEXY Dealers.

Get Your £25 Cash Bonus!