Sergei Semak’s side go into the game in 1st place, following an 8-0 demolition of new boys Orenburg. Brazilian Maestro Wendel bagged a hattrick, but Malcom’s first goal in his brace will surely be one of the goals of the season, chesting the ball down before acrobatically chipping the ball past the keeper. Ivan Sergeev and Daler Kuzyayev also scored in the win. 

During the midweek Russian Cup Zenit lost their first game of the season in Samara, as Krylia Sovetov scored two without return and Claudinho receieved a red card in the clash.

Dynamo Moscow start the game in 6th place, seven points behind their visitors, the league leaders. Despite beating city rivals Torepdo and Spartak 4-0 and 1-0 respectively, they have lost points which the side would be considered to win. In their 3-3 draw with new boys Fakel, the Moscow based side conceded in the 86th minute. 

Dynamo are coached by Slaviša Jokanović, taking over from the popular Sandro Schwarz, who resigned following the White-Blues Russian Cup final loss to rivals Spartak. 

Despite rumours linking golden boy Arsen Zakharyan with a move to England, the Russian midfielder stayed with Dynamo and runs the park in 4-3-3 formation. His focal point is 20 year-old Konstantin Tyukavin, who scored in the 2-1 win against Ural in early February. Denis Makarov has been a bright spark on the side down the right flank. Veteran Anton Shunin is everpresent in goal, with Daniil Fomin operating as a holding midfielder. Dynamo added Paraguayan defender Roberto Fernando to their roster over the summer. 

Last season, Zenit beat Dynamo 4-1 at the Gazprom Arena, which followed their 7-1 victory over Spartak Moscow. The Cops held Zenit in the return fixture with left back Dmitri Skopintsev cancelling out Claudinho’s  first half opener.

Dynamo Moscow v Zenit takes place this Saturday evening at 7pm St. Petersburg time and will be shown live on the RPL YouTube channel.