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Two things to watch for in Chelsea at Zenit in the Champions League

By Subhrajit Chowdhury

Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger (R) runs away from Zenit St. Petersburg's Russian midfielder Daler Kuzyaev (L) during the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge in London on September 14, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger (R) runs away from Zenit St. Petersburg's Russian midfielder Daler Kuzyaev (L) during the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge in London on September 14, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge in London on September 14, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg at Stamford Bridge in London on September 14, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea’s trip to Zenit will be the last game for the Blues in the Champions League group stage and it should be a rather straightforward match if everything goes according to plan. However, as recent results have shown us, things are hardly looking bright for the west Londoners. A bleak win against Watford, followed by a 3-2 loss against derby rivals, West Ham, makes it seem like the match against Zenit will be much closer than anticipated. The Blues are the clear favourites still, but there is no telling what could happen. If Thomas Tuchel’s men fail to make the most of their chances, they could very well end up giving up the top spot to Juventus.

At the moment, the Blues are on the top of the Group H table and after beating the Italian powerhouse 4-0, no one really thought that they would have a problem against the Russian side in their last game. However, the Premier League results have shown that Chelsea is not very stable at the moment. Mistake after mistake—especially at the back—is costing the Blues. Qualification is not a problem, but Chelsea will need to show its best form in order to avoid any mishaps and take first place in the group.

Not only will this give the Blues a better fighting chance in the Round of 16 but it will also be a big mental and morale boost after their disappointing performances against Manchester United, Watford and West Ham. In the last meeting, the London side managed to beat Zenit by a single Romelu Lukaku goal. However, with the upcoming match being played in the Gazprom Arena, things might be a bit more difficult for the reigning European champions. Still, Chelsea is the favoured side and is expected to win the contest.

Therefore, let’s take a look at two things you should be looking forward to if you’re a Blues fan:

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