Celtic could not create too many openings for their front man in Scotland, but that should not be the case in the second leg.
Celtic striker Moussa Dembele has the potential to become a complete centre-forward and he showed that promise in his side’s Europa League win against Zenit last week.
The 21-year-old has not sparkled this season quite like he did last, but he played a key role in the first leg victory over the Russian side.
Dembele is quick and strong, and his hold-up play helped to ensure Celtic gained complete control at Parkhead before Charly Musonda’s introduction won the game.
One minor frustration for Dembele and the Celtic fans was undoubtedly that a number of chances fell to midfield players instead of the forward, with his work allowing others to push on and ultimately squander their opportunities.
However, it could and should be a different story back in Russia.
Zenit must attack now, as they did late on in Scotland, and that will create more space for Dembele.
The forward might be more isolated, but he will back himself to take on a Russian back line that struggled with his raw physicality in last week’s meeting.
If Celtic can give Dembele a platform to punish Zenit on the counter, he will surely be more deadly in front of goal than the likes of Olivier Ntcham were last time out.
Brendan Rodgers’ side’s lead sets up a match in which Zenit may well play into Dembele’s hands. The Frenchman should thrive.
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