Brendan Rodgers takes his Celtic side to Russia ahead of Thursday night’s clash.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have plenty of decisions to make when it comes to picking his starting eleven to face Zenit St. Petersburg on Thursday night, as he looks to field a side capable of holding on to their slender advantage.
The Hoops travel to Russia with a 1-0 first-leg advantage under their belts, after Charly Musonda’s excellent assist was controlled and lashed home by Callum McGregor with his weaker foot.
However, they face a much sterner test in Zenit away from home in the Round of 32 Europa League tie, with Russia being a daunting place to play for any away sides in European football.
Rodgers will still be without a whole host of first-team stars, including the likes of Craig Gordon, Marvin Compper, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Paddy Roberts, Jonny Hayes and Leigh Griffiths.
However, Australia international Tom Rogic returned by starting against St. Johnstone on Sunday afternoon and he is certainly in contention to land a place in the starting eleven.
It is likely to be too soon for the 25-year-old and he may have to accept a place on the bench instead, after coming off on the hour mark during the disappointing 0-0 draw against St. Johnstone.
Surely then, Rodgers will pick the same starting line-up that earned an excellent 1-0 win at Paradise last week, tasked with pushing the Hoops into the last 16 – making a total of seven changes from Sunday’s draw.
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