Talking points

Will Zenit’s long winter break prove to be a factor? Roberto Mancini’s side have not played a competitive game for over two months due to Russia’s break. As preparation for their trip to Glasgow, Zenit enjoyed a training camp in Turkey, where they played three friendlies in a bid to get some sharpness into the legs. Brendan Rodgers played down the idea of Celtic having an advantage in fitness, but how much those games can make up competitive football will be revealed at Parkhead, most probably in the latter stages.

Who will play alongside Kristoffer Ajer in the centre of the Hoops’ defence? New signing Jack Hendry was cup-tied for the Scottish Cup win over Partick Thistle and is available again while Dedryck Boyata remains out injured. Jozo Simunovic partnered teenager Ajer against the Jags and gifted the visitors a goal. Ajer is sure to start, with Rodgers choosing between former Dundee defender Hendry – with one appearance and still to play in Europe – and Simunovic, who is not currently inspiring confidence.

How will goalkeeper Dorus de Vries fare in his second European fixture for Celtic? The 37-year-old Dutchman returned between the sticks last month after Craig Gordon sustained a longterm knee injury. De Vries has played once for the Hoops in Europe since signing in 2016. Unfortunately for the former Dunfermline and Nottingham Forest player it was in September’s 7-0 Champions League defeat by Barcelona – a record European loss for the Scottish champions. De Vries admits the scars from that night will take a couple of years to heal and Hoops fans will hope he has put that memory out of his head for the visit of Zenit.

Will Charly Musonda start? The winger arrived from Chelsea on an 18-month loan deal near the end of January with a huge reputation. The Belgian attacker has shown only glimpses of his trickery in his appearances against Hearts, Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle. Rodgers will have to decide whether to give 21-year-old Musonda an opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage or perhaps look to the more experienced Callum McGregor.

Will Zenit manager Mancini witness another exciting European night at Celtic Park? The Italian was in the Inter Milan dugout for the Europa League clash with Ronny Deila’s Celtic at Parkhead in February 2015. The visitors let a two-goal lead slip and then, having regained the advantage, conceded a last-gasp equaliser to John Guidetti, with the match finishing 3-3. The Serie A side won through to the next round in the San Siro with a 1-0 triumph, but Mancini would rather not go through those emotions again in Glasgow.