How Celtic must line-up against FC Zenit on Thursday to ensure European progression
After an impressive victory over Russian Premier League side FC Zenit last week, it’s Celtic’s turn to make the long away trip, facing off against Roberto Mancini’s side in the second leg this Thursday.
The first leg was one of those famous European nights in the East end of Glasgow, Callum McGregor’s guided beauty from Charly Musonda’s exquisite pass making Celtic Park explode with joy.
Brendan Rodgers will know, more than anyone, that Celtic’s job isn’t complete though. While keeping a clean sheet was crucial ahead of the trip to Russia, the Hoops will be expecting to be put under serious attacking pressure given the talents available to Mancini.
Does the Celtic boss try and set-up defensively, approach the game with his usual attacking mind-set or like last week attempt to strike a balance?
This is how the Hoops should approach a difficult evening…
Defence: Three man job
Undoubtedly the area that will be under most pressure on Thursday night is Celtic’s defence.
It’s easy to forget given the Hoops kept a clean sheet last week but Zenit are one of the most fearsome attacking sides in Europe, having scored more goals than any other side in the group stages of the Europa League.
In contrast, the Hoops conceded more goals than anyone in the group stages of the Champions League.
Still, Jozo Simunovic, Kristoffer Ajer and Mikael Lustig proved that they can perform at the elite European level and the result at Celtic Park is likely to have been a massive confidence booster for all three.
Protected by James Forrest and Kieran Tierney on the flanks, a central three is the way to go again in Russia. It’s clearly the best way for the Hoops to approach European ties against ‘stronger’ opposition having largely worked against both Zenit and Bayern Munich already.
Half the battle will be not making the individual errors that have littered the Hoops’ season. If they can do that you’d back Celtic have enough to get through.
Midfield: Nullifying Zenit’s counter
Celtic dominated the middle of the park last week against Zenit and have the ability to do that again in Russia if they can overcome the mental difficulty that comes from playing away in Europe.
In Scott Brown they have a capable and ferocious ball winner who will sit just in front of the Celtic defensive line and fight fires before moving the ball on. 20-year-old Eboue Kouassi showed he can get to grips with the defensive side of the game too, his physical presence proving too much for the Zenit midfield for large parts of the first leg.
Most of Celtic’s forward play will then be outsourced to the wide areas where wing-backs Kieran Tierney and James Forrest have the space and positional intelligence to cause real problems in the final third.
Their attributes mean they are also well-equipped to try and nullifying Zenit’s counter-attacking style. Last week the likes of Emiliano Rigoni and Aleksandr Kokorin were frozen out of the game, in no small part to the Hoops’ wide men.
With Olivier Ntcham now operating at a level that allows him to pull the strings at European level, Brendan Rodgers has a playmaker that could be the difference in Russia as they look to link defence and attack.
Both Rosenborg and Real Sociedad have travelled to Zenit this season and had the majority of possession, if Celtic can replicate that they are well placed to nick an away goal and go through, even if they lose on the night.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Attack: McGregor can shine again in support of Dembele
Moussa Dembele was back to his best against Zenit last week. While he’s had a difficult second season at the Hoops, supporters were left in no doubt he still has exceptional ability after his brilliant target man performance at Celtic Park.
Holding up the ball and bringing others into play, it was another display that made it obvious why he is rated so highly.
Supported by Callum McGregor, and at times Olivier Ntcham, from midfield, Celtic were an attacking danger all evening and it’s something they can replicate in Russia if set-up the same way.
McGregor now has European goals against Zenit, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Maribor and Legia Warsaw, demonstrating he is more than capable of popping up on these big occasions.
Who would put it past him doing so again on Thursday?