**Zenit vs. Dynamo Makhachkala: Sobolev and Luciano Gondou to Start**

**Upcoming News Article**

**Match Preview**

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, Russian Premier League (RPL) giants Zenit Saint Petersburg will host FC Dynamo Makhachkala at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 MSK (14:00 GMT).

Zenit, the defending RPL champions, will be looking to continue their strong start to the season. They have won both of their opening games, scoring seven goals and conceding none. Dynamo Makhachkala, on the other hand, has drawn one and lost one of their first two matches.

**Team News**

Zenit will be without the services of several key players for the match against Dynamo Makhachkala. Andrey Lunev, Wilmar Barrios, and Malcom are all out injured, while Robert Renan is suspended.

Dynamo Makhachkala will also be without a few players for the match against Zenit. Vladimir Sychevoi, Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov, and Ramazan Dzhamalutdinov are all out injured.

**Predicted Lineups**

**Zenit:** Kerzhakov; Karavaev, Chistyakov, Lovren, Santos; Wendel, Kuzyaev; Claudinho, Malcom, Mostovoy; Sobolev

**Dynamo Makhachkala:** Zlobin; Pliev, Aliyev, Gigolayev; Islamov, Ramazanov, Guliyev, Abdurashidov; Lukyanchikov, Guseynov, Gondou

**Head-to-Head Record**

Zenit has a strong head-to-head record against Dynamo Makhachkala. In the last five meetings between the two sides, Zenit has won four and drawn one.

**Prediction**

Zenit is the clear favorite to win the match against Dynamo Makhachkala. They are the defending champions and have a much stronger squad on paper. However, Dynamo Makhachkala is a dangerous team on their day, and they will be looking to cause an upset.

The match is likely to be a close and entertaining affair. Zenit will be looking to control the tempo of the game and create chances for their forwards. Dynamo Makhachkala will be looking to sit back and hit Zenit on the counterattack. Prediction: Zenit 2-1 Dynamo Makhachkala