Sergei Semak's side secured their fourth successive league title at the back end of the last campaign, and have continued their winning form throughout the summer, thrashing rivals Spartak 4-0 in the Russian Super Cup.
Zenit had a flawless preseason, beating league opponents Nizhny Novgorod and Sochi on penalties before putting three goals past CSKA Moscow to win the Pari Premier Cup. The Russian Champions also played a friendly against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, winning 2-1.
Although the highest league scorer in RPL history Artem Dzyuba left the club along with Brazilian talent Yuri Alberto, Semak has strengthened over the summer, bringing in Zelimkhan Bakaev from Spartak, Matteo Cassierra and Rodrigão from Sochi and Brazilians Mantuan and Ivan from Corinthians in part of the deal for Alberto.
Khimki had a difficult second season in the RPL following their promotion in 2020. Sergei Yuran took over as manager back in February, where his side sat bottom of the league. Over the course of the season, he helped Khimki escape the drop in the relegation play-offs and has since added to his squad for the next campaign.
Aleksey Nikitin was signed from relegated Ufa to strengthen up the defence. After two successful seasons on loan, Reziuan Mirzov signed permanently for Khimki from Spartak. The 29-year-old has scored 10 goals in his two seasons at the club.
Zenit were also away to Khimki for last seasons’ curtain raiser, with the Blue-White-Sky Blues running out 3-1 winners. Ilya Kukharchuk gave the hosts the lead before Sardar Azmoun equalised in the 33rd minute. Two goals in six minutes in the second half from Erokhin and Sutormin gave the game to Zenit. Ivan Sergeev was the only scorer in the reverse fixture in May as Zenit won 1-0.
Sergei Semak, who recently extended his contract until 2025, was wary about the strengths of Friday’s season opener. “The main challenge will be their fast counterattacks, set pieces and some individually strong players."
“We’re not expecting an easy game, especially because our matches with Khimki are always quite difficult."
Khimki v Zenit takes place this Friday at 8pm St. Petersburg time and is live on the RPL YouTube channel for viewers around the world.
