The lutz edge might not be called but the lutz isn‘t the biggest problem, imo. It wasn‘t called in the past either. But if Zhenya falls or again messes up the combo in the SP, she will have trouble beating Sofia even with inflated scores. I truly hope she does her best but... a performance like she had at IdF can’t even be saved by gigantic PCS. I just hope she finishes at least in 6th place (with the three juniors + Alina + Sofia but without Liza there she can make it, assuming she places only behind them) so that she is on the National team next year and gets funding.
But whoever doesn‘t make the Worlds/European team will be sent to the Winter Universiade, won‘t they? It‘s even in Russia this year, I believe. And Evgenia hasn‘t got a medal from the Universiade yet. I think it could be good for her to get some more competitive experience and earn some money, assuming she doesn‘t make the Worlds team which at this point admittedly doesn‘t look too well with Liza being out and getting the bye and Sofia showing such consistent results this season and likely finishing above her. And it won‘t be so much pressure either. I‘m not even sure what I want anymore. I‘m biased, I want Evgenia at Worlds more than anyone else. But if she isn‘t ready... I‘d rather have her not go than risk finishing the season on a disappointing note.