Zenit St. Petersburg face already qualified Malaga, needing nothing short of a win to keep their chances of staying in the Champions League alive.
The Russian side have disappointed so far, having picked up only three points in four outings, while Malaga are sitting pretty on ten points. Zenit, however, still have a chance of qualifying, with Milan - in second on five points and Anderlecht - in third on four points - not too far behind them.
Zenit manager Luiciano Spalletti is expecting all three points against Malaga. "We have no option but to win so we have to ignore everything else, nothing should dampen our spirit," he said. "We are focusing all our thoughts and efforts on getting the result we need. If any one of them fails to understand the gravity of this game then they must have problems.
"I have told them time and again that these Champions League matches are the fruits of a whole year's labours, we should savor them. I am absolutely convinced that my players are ready for this. The press and people around speak about other things on non-matchdays, but within the team we have discussed only the meeting with Malaga."
Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini, despite leaving some of his key players behind, is going for a victory to ensure top spot in Group C. "We didn't expect to come into this encounter with ten points," he said. "We will play at full capacity to try and guarantee first place in the group, to show the whole world our ability.
"I have left (Javier) Saviola and Joaquin in Spain, but our strongest players will be on the field. I have taken Isco to Saint Petersburg and that emphasises the importance of the game.
"This match will be different from our clubs' meeting on matchday one. Our first game in the Champions League was against a strong team coached by the excellent Spalletti. We were worried but everything panned out well. Now we have a little experience from recent matches and we will therefore play in a different way."
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Expected lineups: Zenit: Malafeev; Yanbaev, Hubocan, Alves, Anyukov; Denisov, Shirokov, Witsel, Danny, Hulk; Kerzhakov.
Malaga: Willy; Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Eliseu; Toulalan, Camacho, Duda, Isco, Portillo; Santa Cruz.
Prediction: 2-1 to Zenit
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