Not many had these two teams picked out as potential winners a few months ago but there is no doubting that both deserve to be here on the final day. Both have played different styles and taken different approaches to games so far with Rangers adopting a successful defensive approach to games whereas Zenit perfected the counter attack in the semi final scoring 4 goals against mighty Bayern Munich.

We’ll start with Zenit first, managed by Dick Advocat, a man who also spent 4 years in charge of Rangers. He brought Zenit to their first league title in 2007 and though this year has started of slowly it would appear that this final is the focus of their attention. Unfortunately for them Pogrebnyak, their top scorer is suspended and his absence is a huge loss. Andrei Arshavin is back from his own suspension, as are Radek Sirl and former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen. They are in the final courtesy of a resounding 4 – 0 win against Bayern Munich, a result which shocked many. They play fast open football and move it around fast though they may have their work cut out for them to score against a Rangers side that pinpointed defence as their main strength.

Rangers have frustrated sides at time this year and are here after two 0 – 0 games against Fiorentina, whom they eventually overcame on penalties. One of the main causes of concern for them is that they have a serious amount of games to get through in a congested fixture list. On the plus side for them, motivation will not be a problem as they are looking for their first European trophy since that 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup win. Over 100,000 fans are expected to make the journey to Manchester so they will be well cheered on.

Verdict

As with all finals anything is possible here. I just feel that Rangers have had too much to deal with lately with trying to keep the pressure on Celtic in the SPL and trying to cope with so many games coming so fast after each other its bound to have a negative effect on them. On the other hand Zenit have had a nice long break coming into this game and despite missing their top scorer have been installed as favourites.

For me it will be very interesting to see how Zenit’s attack cope with the Gers defence. Im all for Zenit here but am very wary of the draw.

Zenit draw no bet it is.



Pick : Zenit draw no bet
Odds : 1.62
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Boylesports
Match Result : 2-0
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