Celtic side to face Zenit St Petersburg

It is stating the obvious to say that Brendan Rodgers has limited options for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Zenit St Petersburg.

By going with the 4-3-3 formation that had impressed against Hearts the Celtic boss demonstrated that he was flexible in his approach with a similar set up used to earn a 1-0 win over Zenit.

Callum McGregor and Eboue Kouassi were called in to fulfil special roles and carried them out to the letter with McGregor striking the first leg goal that could prove priceless.

As he demonstrated with the team that he picked to face Saint Johnstone progress in the Europa League is the priority with Sunday’s match at Aberdeen not a consideration.

Despite keeping a clean sheet in the last two matches there is little chance of Celtic going to Russia looking for a 0-0 draw although the emphasis will be on keeping it tight.

With the number of injury problems in defence Rodgers’ hand has been forced to an extent but as they proved in the first leg under pressure the back line can perform as an effective unit.

DORUS DE VRIES

The biggest test of his Celtic career- yes even bigger than Barca in the Nou Camp.

It is a straightforward task, keep a clean sheet and Celtic are through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Apart from two wobbles away to Kilmarnock he has did little wrong since replacing Craig Gordon, he goes into this match on the back of matches without losing a goal.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Has had a difficult time over the last two months but put in a good solid performance last week in the home leg.

With a midfield three in front of him he’ll be less exposed with no real expectation of providing an attacking threat.

His experience of these situations should be priceless, hopefully Celtic can be a little more adventurous than when Sweden successfully took a 1-0 lead to Italy to reach the World Cup Finals.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

Seemed to have full concentration on during last week’s first leg tie.

The former Dinamo Zagreb defender’s repuation has taken a pounding this season but he retains the backing of Brendan Rodgers.

There is now some serious competition for the central defensive positions, if he wants to remain in the sights of clubs from the richer leagues he could do with being involved in a lengthy European run.

KRIS AJER

Is emerging as a Player of the Year candidate despite only getting his chance in December.

His last European away day was in Astana but he seems to have learned the lessons from that day and seems to be the first pick central defender.

He plays with a great maturity, against Zenit his never is bound to be tested but there is every reason to have confidence in the teenage Norwegian.

KIERAN TIERNEY

The 20-year-old veteran!

KT got his breakthrough in the 2015 Europa League and hasn’t looked back, Thursday’s match will be his 27th European match.

He showed his versatility in the first leg pushing forward regularly but will be more selective about breaking forward with defensive duties definitely the priority.

EBOUE KOUASSI

Has quietly made his mark since the winter break with some very effective performances.

Last season’s appearances were on the rash side but he seems to have converted that side of his game into something more productive.

With a little experience of the Russian game he can be very effective, alongside Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham he has plenty of support to call in.

SCOTT BROWN

A massive night for the skipper, not that it was needed but his value to the team was reinforced by his absence against St Johnstone.

He was in his element last week in the first leg, being up against the odds seems to bring out an extra dimension in his play.

Hopefully there will be a few other leaders on the pitch but it’ll be the former Hibs midfielder that carries the main hopes of Celtic negotiating through 90 minutes.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Made a big impression away to Astana and is quickly growing into the role Brendan Rodgers had in mind when he spent £4m on the midfielder.

He does have the ability to get forward to support the strikers but it’s his defensive strengths that are likely to be more useful against Zenit.

The midfield trio was one of the main strengths of the first leg win, for the bigger matches this could be the way forward.

JAMES FORREST

Another vital European goal on the cards for Jamesy?

Has been in incredible form this season starting with a priceless away goal in Rosenborg- he played a lead role in the Champions League win over Spartak Moscow in 2012.

Zenit knew who the Celtic danger man was last week, with Forrest likely to be in for more of the same treatment Rodgers will have a plan in mind to take advantage of their fear.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

There were signs in the first leg of the striker that defenders feared last season.

The French u-21 internationalist was happy to provide a physical threat to the Zenit defence even though chances were few and far between.

Adding another goal to his CV would do his chances of a move in the summer the world of good with no grumbles from the Celtic support or management.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

December wasn’t his best month but last week he repaid the trust of Brendan Rodgers with another great European goal.

In certain fixtures he is the perfect player to sit in behind the striker, filling the space with midfield and being the perfect link- with his own goal threat.

He is likely to be forced to play deeper in the second leg but Zenit will be wary of his threat which could be even more effective on the counter attack.