Chelsea the current Champions League champions will start their UCL season against Zenit in a home match. Zenit who is unbeaten in their league with five wins in the last seven matches will try to hold on to the current champions. On the other hand, an impressive win over Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend will make the blues confident about their title defence. With some insiders and news, we present you the fantasy football predictions and full match preview of Chelsea vs Zenit St Petersburg.

Match Details Chelsea vs Zenit

Date – 15/09/2021
Time – 12.30 am (IST)
Venue – Stamford Bridge
Places to watch in India– Sony Network (TV), Sonly LIV & Jio TV (OTT)

Chelsea vs Zenit UCL Team News

Team News – Chelsea

The current champions are a very confident team under Thomas Tuchel. They had a miraculous run last year after Frank Lampard was sacked by the management after a poor run. However, some say it was Lampard's vision that helped Chelsea win the trophies. Now, with the inclusion of Romelo Lukaku, Chelsea is stronger than ever in the Premier League. Therefore, they will also be considered as the dark horse to win the trophy again.

Chelsea has been solid in their defence in the Premier League, conceding only once in the last three matches. Eduard Mendy is one of the prime reasons for that who had an English record of nine clean sheets in last year's Champions League. Jorghino, who was named the UEFA Player of the year, Kante who was named the UEFA midfielder of the year are the main pillars of the blues with Lukaku and Mount and the front.

Injury Concern: Christian Pulisic will be out as Tuchel has already mentioned he will need time to get back.

Comebacks: Jorginho, Andreas Christensen, Mason Mount, Reece James and N'golo Kante will surely start in this Chelsea vs Zenit UCL matchup. Therefore, make your fantasy football predictions according to that.

Recent form in all competitions: D W W W D W

Team News – Zenit St Petersburg

Zenit is having their own undefeated run the Russian top flight. They have been unbeaten in the last seven matches winning five of them. Sergei Semak, the coach has been very influential in the team's making ahead of their Champions League debut this year. Meanwhile, Brazilian duo Wendel and Malcom is having a quite good run also, which makes them quite a force to be reckoned with.

Last year's top scorer in the Russian League with 17 goals, Sardar Azmoun is Zenit's hope against the current champions. Along with him, national star Artem Dzyuba will have a major role to play in the Chelsea vs Zenit UCL matchup.

Injury concerns: Magomed Ozdoev, Dejan Lovren and Vyacheslav Karavaev will miss this match due to injury concerns. Hence, we advise you to make your fantasy football predictions according to it.

Comebacks: None.

Recent form in all competitions: W W D D W W

Chelsea vs Zenit fantasy football predictions: Possible XIs

Possible Xi – Chelsea Football Club

Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Havertz, Lukaku, Mount

Possible Xi – Zenit St. Petersburg

Kritsyuk; Sutormin, Lovren, Rakitskiy, Santos; Erokhin, Kuzyaev, Claudinho, Malcom; Dzyuba, Azmoun

Chelsea vs Zenit Dream11 Football Team Predictions

Note: Kindly make your Dream11 Football Team Predictions as per your choice. This is just a predicted team from our end.

Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.

The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.

Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.

New Format

Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.

South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.

There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.

The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.

Read Also | Substitutions that changed the football history

FIFA Club World Cup Groups

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America.

How many teams will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams from 6 continents will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

FC Barcelona defender Paul Cubarsi had to go through a rigorous payment of getting 10 stitches on his face after facing a brutal injury in the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match.

In the 63rd minute of the game while defending a low ball in Barcelona's box Cubarsi suffered nearly a career threatening injury. It was Crvena captain Spajić who went for the ball with a high boot and Cubarsi also went for the ball with his header. 

Unfortunately, the high boot from Spajić caught the face of Cubarsi and an immidiate medical attention was called by the Barcelona players on the field. The game was stopped for nearly 3-4 minutes as Cubarsi recieved an early attention from the doctors. 

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He was soon subbed off as Sergi Dominguez replaced him on the filed. Spajić was shown a yellow card for this offence. 

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick after the match confirmed that Pau Cubarsi is all fine and recieved 10 stitches on his face after the injury. His teammate Gavi showed respect for the 17 year old defender by calling him a fighter on his Instagram story.

Barcelona thrashed Crvena Zvezda by 2-5 in an away fixture as Robert Lewandowski scored a brace for them. Jules Kounde provided three assists in the match while Raphinha, Inigo Martinez and Fermin Lopez scored a goal apiece in the match. Barcelona now have moved to 6th position in the UEFA Champions League table with 9 points from 4 games.

Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of the UEFA Champions League football match. Tonight, we will cover the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona match in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season. 

The story before the match

Barcelona have been in red-hot form and on the contrary Crvena Zvezda have not won any matches in the tournament this season. With 6 points in three games, FC Barcelona are currently placed at the number 15 position. Meantime, with no points and a -9 goal difference, the Serbian club are currently at the number 33 position in the points table.

Read Also | Viktor Gyokeres: Do you know he was sold by Brighton for only £1 m in 2021?

However, in all competitions, Crvena Zvezda have won four out of their last five matches and looked in great form in the national league. Barcelona have also been undefeated and won all of their last five games across competitions. 

This will be the fifth time these two teams face each other. Barcelona have won 3 of those four games while drawing once. Only time will tell if the Serbian League champions will be able to resist rampant Barcelona, or if it will be an easy win for the La Liga table toppers.

So, sit down and relax as we bring you updates, facts, and news of the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona match from our webdesk. 

Paris Saint-Germain is back to their Champions League quest as the French champions will take on Atletico Madrid at Parc des Princes on 7 November 2024. Both teams will head onto the fourth UCL match-week in search of their second win in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. This electrifying encounter will kick-off in Paris tonight at 1:30 AM IST.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. 

Match Details 

Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 7 November 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have had a complex start to their UCL 2024-25 campaign, winning 1 game, losing 1, and drawing 1 game as well. The French champions opened their account with a 1-0 win over Girona in the first match-week following a 0-2 defeat against Arsenal in the second match-week. In their last UCL outing against PSV Eindhoven, PSG came from behind to end the game in a 1-1 draw. 

🏆 Champions League mode: ON! 🔴🔵#PSGATM | #UCL pic.twitter.com/lZOm0aFR89

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 5, 2024

However, PSG will be confident against Atletico after winning two back-to-back games in the Ligue 1, having earned a 3-0 victory over historic rivals Olympique de Marseille and beating Lens by 1-0 in their last game. Currently, Les Parisiens are in the 23rd position in the UCL league table with 4 points in 3 matches.

Head coach Luis Enrique will ensure to build a strong starting eleven to take on Atletico Madrid. However, PSG will be playing without Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, and Gonçalo Ramos who are sidelined due to long-term injuries. 

The Parisian squad for the home match against @Atleti! 📋🔴🔵#UCL | #PSGATM pic.twitter.com/xgxD0y4YPP

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 6, 2024

However, Enrique will start Donnarumma again in the goal after dropping him from in starting eleven against Lens last week. Dembele, Barcola, and Asensio will lead the PSG attack whereas Hakimi and Marquinhos will solidify the defence.

Last 5 Matches: D W D W W 

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase match week 3 roundup

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid is almost on the same page with their inconsistent performances both in the UCL and LaLiga 2024-25. The Rojiblancos started their UCL campaign with a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig as José María Giménez scored a last-minute winner that ensured three points for the Spanish side. However, Atletico faced a 0-4 thrashing by Benfica in their second UCL outing and lost to Lille OSC by 1-3 in the third match-week. 

💫 Champions League mode activated pic.twitter.com/r2V0het5cg

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 4, 2024

Atletico is also struggling in the LaLiga with 5 draws in 12 matches although they had a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas in their last match across all competitions. Currently, Atletico Madrid is standing in the 28th position in the UCL league table having 3 points earned in 3 matches.

🎙️ Simeone

❝We are facing a very important rival, with the hallmark of their coach. They are a team full of very good and dynamic young players and with a great coaching staff. We will try to take the game to where we can hurt them❞. pic.twitter.com/3pqlhjDCaO

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 5, 2024

Coach Diego Simeone will have to field the best eleven to take on PSG with Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente, Thomas Lemar, and Cesar Azpilicueta being sidelined due to injuries. José María Giménez is also suspended due to a second consecutive yellow against Benfica and LOSC.

✈️ Squad list for PSG vs Atleti pic.twitter.com/kV5oI5haqL

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 5, 2024

In these circumstances, Axel Witsel and Clément Lenglet are likely to be the central-back pairing whereas Rodrigo De Paul will lead the midfield. Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are expected to be the attacking duo for Atletico tonight.

Last 5 Matches: W L L W W 

Head-to-head

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid will face each other for the first time in any competitive match.

Possible Playing XI

Paris Saint-Germain 

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola

Atletico Madrid

Jan Oblak (GK); Nahuel Molina, Axel Witsel, Clément Lenglet, Reinildo Mandava; Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Conor Gallagher, Sameul Lino; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez

Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid: Fantasy XI Prediction

Donnarumma, Hakimi, Molina, Witsel, Mendes, De Paul, Zaïre-Emery, Dembélé, Griezmann, Alvarez, Asensio.

Manchester City has failed to win a UEFA Champions League match since May 2022 as Sporting CP crushed the English side by 4-1 with Viktor Gyökeres scoring a hat-trick. Ruben Amorim's brigade ends Manchester City's record unbeaten run of 26 games in the UCL. 

Manchester City lose their first match in the Champions League since May 2022.

They set the longest unbeaten streak in the UCL (26 games).

What a run 👏 pic.twitter.com/k5G3jD5yqW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 5, 2024

Pep Guardiola's men broke United's record of 25-game unbeaten streak in City's last UCL outing against Sparta Praha last week, making it more memorable with a 5-0 win. However, the defeat to Sporting has ended City's record-breaking 26-match unbeaten run which is the longest unbeaten run in the UCL.

Man City set a 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 for longest unbeaten run in #UCL history (𝟮𝟲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀) 🥇🆕 pic.twitter.com/awt7kv3s72

— LiveScore (@livescore) October 23, 2024

Although Man City broke the record set by their long-standing rival Manchester United; the Red Devils are the only team to maintain an unbeaten streak of more than 15 games three times in different periods. 

Here are the longest unbeaten runs in the UEFA Champions League:

1. Manchester City | 26 games (2022-2024)

Manchester City's unbeaten run started in September 2022 whereas their last defeat before that came against Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2021-22 UCL semi-final where they lost 1-3 to the eventual champions. 

Following that defeat at Bernabeu, Manchester City went on to be undefeated in 26 UCL matches consisting of 18 wins and 8 draws. During this period, Manchester City lifted their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy in their historic treble-winning 2022-23 season.

Manchester City’s 2023 Champions League Campaign is one of the Greatest!

- Group Winners
- Invincibles
- Knocked out Real Madrid
- Knocked out Bayern Munich
- Defeat Inter Milan in the Final pic.twitter.com/rBuH0UfzVk

— City Chief (@City_Chief) July 6, 2023

Manchester City could not retain the title next season, but their exit came in the Quarter-finals after two draws in both legs and Real Madrid knocked City out in penalties.

However, City extended their unbeaten run to 25 games after thrashing Slovan Bratislava by 4-0 and broke the all-time record and stretched it to 26 games after crushing Sparta Praha by 5-0 last matchday. Now their run comes to an end after losing 1-4 to Sporting CP on 6 November 2024.

2. Manchester United | 25 games (2007-2009)

Manchester United remained unbeaten for 25 games from September 2007 to May 2009 when they lost 0-2 to FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 UCL Final. The Red Devils' unbeaten run started with a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the only goal. 

However, their stint included the 2007-08 UCL Final when they defeated Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out. This one remains as of the most iconic undefeated UCL-winning campaigns.

On this day in 2008: #MUFC lifted the Champions League trophy after a penalty shootout win over #CFC. pic.twitter.com/YfFrqufNeL

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 21, 2015

However, Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Devils continued their streak and reached a second consecutive UCL Final in the 2008-09 season. Barcelona ensured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United and United's unbeaten streak ended as well. 

3. Ajax Amsterdam | 20 games (1985-1996)

Ajax is only the third team to remain unbeaten in the Champions League for 20+ games and the Dutch side made the record in a 10-and-a-half-year period; extended to both the European Cup and the Champions League era!

Ajax's unbeaten run of 20 games reigned for this extensive period of time due to an incident that led Ajax to get banned from European competitions for a year in 1990 and they could not qualify from 1985 to 1988 and 1991 to 1993. 

Ajax was banned for a year from participating in European competitions following their 1989-90 UEFA Cup defeat against Austria Wien where an Ajax fan threw a bar towards the ground during the match and Wien's keeper Franz Wohlfahrt got injured. 

Ajax triumphed in the #UCLfinal against Milan #OnThisDay in 1995... pic.twitter.com/k9PUIHR0oa

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 24, 2016

However, the return of Ajax to the UCL remains iconic to date for their undefeated 1994-95 UCL-winning campaign as the Louis Van Gaal-coached side beat AC Milan by 1-0 in the final. Ajax's unbeaten run ended in a 0-1 defeat to Panathinaikos in the first leg of the 1995-96 UCL semi-final.

4. Bayern Munich | 19 games (2019-2021) 

Bayern Munich kept their unbeaten streak intact for 19 matches from 2019 to 2021, which included their undefeated UCL victory in the 2019-20 season during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Bayern dominated their group by winning 6 out of 6 games and in the knock-out stages as well; with crushing Barcelona by 8-2 in the quarter-final. The Bavarians also became the first-ever team to win every match in a UCL campaign and maintain a 100% win record.

🏆 INVINCIBLES 💪

🔴 Bayern = 1st side in history to lift the trophy having won every game in a UCL season (11 games, 11 wins) 💯#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/HvuRNSmEIQ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 24, 2020

However, Bayern's 19-game streak ended in a 2-3 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the 2020-21 UCL quarter-final.

5. Bayern Munich | 19 games (2001-2002)

Bayern Munich had another great unbeaten run in the early 2000s, going 19 games without facing a defeat from 2001 to 2002. Following the 0-3 defeat against Lyon in the second group stage of the 2000-01 UCL, Bayern remained undefeated after that loss including the penalty shoot-out victory in the Final against Valencia to lift the 2000-01 UCL. 

📅 23rd May 2001. The day we made history 🏆#FCBayern #MiaSanMia #UCL #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/8Bhf1COOFd

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) May 23, 2020

Bayern extended their unbeaten run in the 2001-02 UCL as well and remained undefeated in both the first and second group stages. Bayern's run came to an end with a 0-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2001-02 UCL quarter-final. 

The longest unbeaten runs in the European Cup and Champions League history:

1. Manchester City – 26 games (6 Sep 2022 – 6 November 2024)
2. Manchester United – 25 games (19 Sep 2007 – 5 May 2009)
3. Ajax – 20 games (2 Oct 1985 – 20 Mar 1996)
4. Bayern Munich – 19 games (18 Sep 2019 – 17 Mar 2021)
5. Bayern Munich – 19 games (14 Mar 2001 – 2 Apr 2002)
*6. Crvena zvezda – 17 games (7 Sep 1988 – 6 Nov 1991)
7. Barcelona – 16 games (8 Mar 2011 – 3 Apr 2012)
8. Manchester United – 16 games (23 Oct 2001 – 23 Oct 2002)
9. Manchester United – 16 games (4 Mar 1998 – 29 Sep 1999)
10. Real Madrid – 15 games (12 Apr 2016 – 2 May 2017)
11. Barcelona – 15 games (14 Sep 2005 – 27 Sep 2006)
*12. FC Köln – 15 games (26 Sep 1962 – 11 April 1979)

*Starred ones happened in the European Cup era.