The Celtic XI to put Zenit to the test

The statistics say otherwise but there’s little doubt that Celtic’s season could do with a lift against Zenit on Thursday night.

Highlights have been a rarity this season, 12 months ago Celtic fans were feasting on a side that was genuinely scoring for fun and hitting new heights game by game.

Having secured third place in their Champions League group the hoops should be looking forward confidently to the Europa League but there is a distinct lack of optimism ahead of facing a team that few fans know much about.

Roberto Mancini and a transfer budget that appears limitless seems to have cast a shadow over the Celtic support that have watched their side toil against Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle in recent weeks.

Putting in a solid 90 minute performance without losing a goal would be a step forward, rediscovering the form shown away to Anderlecht and Aberdeen would be a dream come true.

Sorting out the defence has been a season long problem with an incredible run of injuries but before Thursday night Rodgers is expected to get it right with what could well be a very new partnership.

Celtic Park can be magical on European nights but only in qualifiers in recent times, a win and performance to match is exactly the tonic that the team and supporters are looking for from the visit of Zenit.

DORUS DE VRIES

The ideal opportunity for the Dutchman to make a real mark on Celtic- and banish his previous European outing in Barcelona.

It is very difficult for a Celtic goalkeeper to make a quick impact but with Gordon expected to be out until May the one time Dunfermline keeper has the opportunity that he has been waiting for.

European nights tend to be busy, it’s upto de Vries to make an early impact and ensure that his defenders know exactly what is expected of them.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

An assured mainly defensive performance is required from the Swede, no need to go chasing forward, Jamesy can manage that quite nicely.

It hasn’t been a happy winter for Lustig, since Sweden qualified for the World Cup there hasn’t been many highlights.

Last season Cristian Gamboa’s arrival seemed to push Lustig up a level, now he has to find his own form and ensure that he finishes the season strongly.

JACK HENDRY

What a time to make your home debut- less than a fortnight after leaving Dundee and he is making his European debut against a team assembled for over £100m!

He watched the home match with Anderlecht as a supporter, now he has to step upto the plate and demonstrate that he belongs at this level.

A strong performance can cement his Celtic chances, nothing showy required, hopefully he can follow the Ajar route.

KRIS AJER

He never played in any of the Champions League group matches but is now the first choice central defender.

Since the 4-0 defeat at Tynecastle he has answered the call in style, taking his chance without the benefit of an experienced older head to help him out.

Astana away was a sharp ‘learning curve’ in this business there is little time to adapt, the signs suggest that he is more likely to swim than sink.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Has packed in an incredible amount of European action into his career, will be expected to help out his inexperienced central defensive team-mates.

Hopefully he won’t be targeted to be kicked out the game in the way that Hearts and Partick Thistle operated.

With Scott Sinclair failing to hit the heights of last season more is required from KT down the left, he rarely fails to deliver.

EBOUE KOUASSI

Has looked impressive in recent showing, especially against Hearts and has a bit of an insight into the Russian game from his time at Krasnodar.

Only injuries have kept him at Celtic rather than a loan spell elsewhere, there are signs that he is now ready but he needs a regular run of games to show consistent form.

He has the strength and mobility that appeals to Brendan Rodgers, now he has the chance to put down a marker and get his Celtic career in gear.

SCOTT BROWN

With the backing of Kouassi and Ntcham the skipper is well supported for this one and won’t be required to do more than ‘just’ his own job.

Over the last two seasons he has been outstanding in the Champions League, the one Celtic player that looks really at ease at that level.

European runs are becoming less likely, the former Hibs midfielder would revel in the involvement of another lengthy run into the guys of the competition.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Has shown in flashes what he is capable of, with two other central midfielders around he can really make an impact now at the level he was brought to play at.

With his background in France, time at Manchester City and experience from Genoa he has packed a lot into his career to date.

Against Anderlecht at home he was hailed as the saviour, two imposing displays against Zenit would give that claim credibility.

JAMES FORREST

Man of the moment will be heavily marked by the Russian side but he’ll revel in that and look to set up others from the space created.

At home to Bayern Munich he was unplayable- a repeat of that form would be very welcome and would certainly unsettle the Zenit defence.

Down the years he has came up with some significant European goals- he is the most likely scorer among the home ranks.

MOUSSA DEMBLE

It’s now a long long time since he made a real impact in a match, this competition offers him a route towards the French World Cup squad.

The speculation through January was certainly confusing, unfortunately his displays this season haven’t come close to the standard set last term.

A return to form for the former Fulham man would be a major boost, a run in Europe around away trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox would be a great new weapon to play off.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Really difficult to assess his season to date, the stats say yes but watching the team he has fallen into the malaise.

It really has been difficult to work things out, the magic seems to have drained out of his game with his confidence summed up by a weak chip into the arms of the Thistle keeper on Saturday.

His place could be under threat from Charly Musonda, like Dembele the return to last season’s form would be a fantastic boost.