Dundalk - V - Zenit: An Update from the away camp

Unbeaten in 13 matches so far this season and sitting joint top of the Russian Premier League, Zenit St. Petersburg have arrived in Dublin for tomorrow night's Europa League tie with Dundalk, looking to extend their 100% record so far in this season’s Europa League.

Matchday one's incredible 4-3 comeback win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel followed by a 5-0 win over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar three weeks ago have Mircea Lucesu’s charges sitting top of Group D, two points clear of the Co.Louth men with a healthy goal difference of plus 6.

The Champions League group stage regulars and 2008 UEFA cup winners have a formidable squad of 17 full internationals, however they come to Dublin without three of their more influential players.

Portuguese international Danny is out until the new year with a cruciate injury, defender Igor Smolnikov who started all three games for Russia at Euro 2016 hasn't travelled after undergoing surgery in London over the weekend, 71 times capped for Russia and former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov also hasn't made the trip.

Not withstanding those three omissions there is quality throughout the squad in the frame of Alex Witsel who scored Belgium’s second goal against Ireland in June, Robert Mak who scored twice for Slovakia against Scotland last week, current Brazilian international Giulinao, signed from Gremio in the Summer has caught the eye also with seven goals in nine games this season, while two of Russia’ s best forwards in Aryem Dzuba, who has 11 goals in 22 international games for Russia and Aleksandr Kokorin also add a potent attacking threat.

Their most familiar face is probably Javi Garcia, the club captain joined from Manchester City for 16 million Euro in 2014 and is an ever present in the Zenit midfield.

If the gap in financial resources between Dundalk and the likes of Maccabi and Alkmaar is big, then the gap between Gasprom funded  Zenit, and Dundalk is simply off the scale.

Hulk was sold to Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG for 55 million euro in the Summer, however as a consequence of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play policy, Zenit can no longer freely draw on the vast funds allayed to them by the Russian oil giant and the relatively modest ten million euros paid to FC Rostov for central defender Ivan Novoseltsev confirms a change in tack.

Speaking to the media on Wedenesday, Zenit Head Coach Mircea Lucescu said that Dundalk are “a clever, strong side who deserve to be here. They were very strong against Legia and BATE, they play a British style with some long passes, but we very much respect this side.”

When asked did he know who Dundalk were before the draw was made, Lucescu said that “he hadn’t heard of them but they need to be respected.” Regarding whether he would rest any players for the Europa League he replied that this was “a game he intended to win as it was good for the reputation of the club to win all games.”

The 71 year old Romanian, who speaks seven languages is no stranger to success. During his 12 years at Shaktar Donetsk he won the 2009 UEFA cup and eight Ukrainian league titles. He took over at Zenit at the end of the season after the departure of former Spurs coach Andres Villas Boas.

Also Speaking to the media striker Artem Dzyuba also said he expected a “british style with long balls”, however they will "respect the opposition and no game is won without a fight," said Dzyuba.

When asked by extratime.ie what type of game he expected tomorrow, Belgian international Alex Witsel, who was also made available to the media said he expected it to be “tough”, but he has “good thoughts" of Ireland after scoring during a 3-0 at the European Championships.