[Matchday] Zenit v Celtic (18:00 GMT - 22/02/18) BT Sport

How much of the stadium is closed by UEFA tomorrow night mate?

 

Looks to be quite a short flight from Glasgow, Google suggesting 3hrs max direct flight to St Petersburg. Would imagine the team would book a private plane direct from Glasgow to St Petersburg rather than farting about going commercial through Heathrow or Manchester for a direct flight out. Saying that, I would expect them to be there by now, training and early bed tonight and then light training tomorrow.

 

Small part of the stadium is banned due to UEFA sanctions (because Zenit ultras showed some banners to support serbian army general), this section will be filled by kids, tickets for them will be free.

Ultras have come up with a trick, they'll move one tier higher to avoid UEFA's prohibition. So, we expect attendance aprox. 57.000

 

Same team as last week, boss the game again, Celtic go score early and win 2-0

 

Never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad this game will be played indoors.

Expecting a different animal to show up given they're at home, but we will be going all out for that early goal that should kill the tie.

2-1 Tae the Hoops for me

 

Zenit v Celtic: Update on the partial closure of the fan sector
Up to 4000 pupils from the Zenit Academy will fill the seats of the fan sector at the match with Celtic.
Part of the fan sector in stand D will be closed to supporters after a banner was displayed in the home game with Vardar which contradicted UEFA's Equal Game rules.In place of those fans will be young players from the Zenit Academy and it's attached branches.

More than 55,000 are expected at tomorrows match, with around 1000 Celtic fans making the trip.

 

It's gonna be a long one i feel! Still think the most important factor is that other than the game against us they've not a competitive match and hoping that they're still well away from full fitness!! Might help us late on if it's tight and we have to chase

 

Can't wait for this game.

 

As long as the ultimate out

Can't imagine that they would not be looking to basically reverse things from the first leg and get right at us. The first 15 minutes will be crucial for us. We must stand strong and not give away anything early to allow them get their tails up. Having said all that I am convinced still that we will need to score tomorrow night to get through.

 

If that's the case, what's the point in using 3 centre-halves? I mean, are they gonna play with 2 strikers up front? Cause if they don't, I'd rather see us in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

...................De Vries...................
Lustig.......Jozo......Ajer.......Tierney
...........................Brown..............
...........Ntcham............................
Forrest.........McGregor.........Sinclair
...................Dembele...................

(alternatively)
a bit more conservative approach

..................De Vries..................
Lustig......Jozo......Ajer......Tierney
..........Brown..........Kouassi.........
Forrest.........Ntcham.........Sinclair
..................Dembele..................

 

if we knock this mob out over 2 legs it will be Massive , they've spent 100m on their squad and expected to go deep in this tournament , don't let anyone kid you... it will be a tough ask over there but doable if we can keep it 0-0 to half time then try nick one.

 

All it takes is an early away goal, forget early, an away goal at any point of the game, and the psychological impact on Zenit will be massive. It could either break them down or galvanize them and that's when Celtic need to double down. It is doable.

 

Most nervous I've been about a match since I can't remember when.

Feel like it is going to be one * of long night in Russia. Even if for my own sanity that we get the first goal, I'll have no fingers left and my * will turn inside out anytime Zenit enter our half.

 

Buzzing for this, would be great to be in the draw friday. Another Russian team would do nicely. If we can really draw anyone then there's always a chance we could get a doable tie and make the QF.

 

BR: "We have nothing new really to add in terms of injuries. Obviously the guys who were available last week are still in the squad, so we are pretty much the same."

 

Broony and Tierney sticking with the short sleeves

 

* buzzing for this. Got a really good feeling, but whatever happens we’ve achieved our objective in Europe this season and it’s been a good campaign.