Atletico will be charged up for the encounter after finding themselves back in Europe's elite competition after a few seasons in the Europa League.
Manager Diego Simeone has gone from strength to strength at Atletico, and the Spanish side look strong this year despite losing their talisman Radamel Falcao to Monaco.
In David Villa they have a striker who has been there and done everything, and Atletico will rely on the experience of the Spain international to bail them out of tough situations, which are bound to crop up.
On paper Atletico are probably the favourites along with Porto to advance to the last-16, but Simeone, desperate to temper the expectations, believes Zenit have the advantage over them due to their experience of playing in the Champions League in recent seasons.
"Zenit and Porto are favourites in the group because of the experience they have at this level," he added. "We are still growing. If we play with humility and as a team we have a chance."
Zenit have not quite hit the heights expected of them in Europe and manager Luciano Spalletti will be hoping for a better campaign this time around.
Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis; Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Turan, Adrian, Villa.
Zenit St. Petersburg: Lodygin; Anyukov, Hubocan, Neto, Smolnikov; Witsel, Shirokov, Fayzulin, Danny; Arshavin, Kerzhakov.
La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid get their Champions League campaign off the mark on Wednesday when they play host to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
Diego Simeone's team have enjoyed a superb start domestically, with four wins and two draws taking them above Barcelona in the Spanish standings.
Zenit have also enjoyed an impressive unbeaten run this term, dropping just two points in their opening six games.
Both sides have no new injury worries ahead of the contest at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
