Football Season Guide

Zenit were the most convincing of champions last season and Semak’s men remain front runners this year too. For the second consecutive summer Zenit seem unlikely to make any big signings, with the depth in their squad so impressive that they don’t need to do so. Of course, keeping positive balance sheet for 18 months now (sold Paredes to PSG for over £40 million in the winter) means that, if Semak really wants someone, Zenit can afford to spend big. With vast experience and stars all over the pitch Zenit look covered for any eventuality. Veterans Ivanovic and Rakytskyi are expected to be once again the most effective defensive partnership in the league, with likes of Mammana and Mevlja excellent cover options. The presence of so many quality defenders in the squad also allows Semak to use formations with 3 at the back when he wants to freshen up things from his preferred 4-4-2 formation. In midfield and up front the presence of many more experienced and talented players guarantees dominance in the possession and shot attempt columns. The fact that the likes of Noboa, Hernani, Rigoni and Erokhin are seen as back up options shows how much quality is concentrated in the squad at the minute. In attack the winter arrival of Azmoun proved to be major hit already in the spring of 2019, with the Iranian forward expected to have a 20+ goal season if he stays the entire campaign at Zenit. This added to the intimidating presence of giant Dzyuba next to him and the constant threat coming down the wings Zenit are expected to improve on their scoring record from last season.