Zenit St. Petersburg vs Celtic. UEFA Europa League Knockout Play-offs.
Krestovsky StadiumAttendance50,492.
3-1
Thursday 22 February 2018 17:28, UK
Roberto Mancini expects Zenit St Petersburg to put in an improved performance when they host Celtic in the second leg of their Europa League clash on Thursday (kick-off 6pm GMT).
Callum McGregor scored the only goal of the game as Celtic edged the first leg against the Russian side, who were playing their first competitive game in two months after their winter break.
Although Zenit have not played again since the defeat, they did win all three of their home games in the Europa League group stages.
Mancini said: "I am confident that we can improve. We knew Celtic are a good team with good players, a good manager and we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
"But at the same time we are a good team, the only problem is we didn't play for two months. All the players are ready. It is not important to change the players, it is important to change the result.
"I am confident. We need to play a good game, concentrate, without pressure, this is important."
Celtic made eight changes at the weekend as they were held to a goalless draw by St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. They have not won away in the Europa League in 13 attempts (D8 L5).
Tom Rogic is in contention to feature for Celtic after making his first appearance since December 5 against St Johnstone.
Scott Sinclair will be pushing to start but Leigh Griffiths is out with injury.
I have to admit Celtic's defensive structure - which had been all over the place - looked excellent last week to go against my prediction that they'd lose the first leg.
Plenty of my friends point out that Zenit haven't played in months but more importantly Celtic showed they do have Plan B in European games when they know they're not going to dominate the ball.
People might think us Scots are okay with the weather over there, but the conditions are a different level of cold and I'm afraid I'm going for a tough night for the travellers and another Celtic defeat.
Charlie predicts: 3-1 and Branislav Ivanovic to score first (160/1 with Sky Bet)