As reported by The Scottish Sun, a former FC Zenit stalwart expects the Russians to be able to overcome the challenge of Celtic in UEFA Europa League action this evening.
What’s the story?
Aleksei Igonin made over 150 appearances for the Russian outfit between 1998 and 2003 so is more than familiar with the expectations of the visitors to Celtic Park.
However, the retired player’s belief that Zenit can deal with what Celtic have to offer perhaps highlights an over-confidence in the Russian camp that the Hoops can exploit after kick-off.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Igonin said of tonight’s encounter:
I have no doubts the Scots will endlessly load high balls in from the wings in their own half. So it is important Zenit stand up to this onslaught early on. But I am certain Zenit will score at least once. Aleksandr Kokorin is in great form, but the best player at the moment is Emiliano Rigoni. He is a constant danger on the right wing and is capable of producing dangerous crosses. He is key to Zenit getting through.
It’s clear that Igonin may not have seen much of Celtic in action recently given his belief Brendan Rodgers’ will be loading high balls forward and perhaps it’s a misconception that plays into the Hoops’ hands.
Will Zenit be ill-prepared for Rodgers’ possession-heavy approach to football, something he has refused to compromise regardless of the level of opponent so far in his Celtic career?
Zenit’s dangers
One thing Igonin is certainly right about is the key men that Celtic will need to stop if they’re to have hope of progressing to the last 16 of the competition.
Aleksandr Kokorin, who has scored at Celtic Park before with Dinamo Moscow, is showing a lethal touch this season with 18 goals in all competitions. That’s especially true in European competition where he’s netted eight times in just nine appearances.
The other big danger is Emiliano Rigoni, who averaged a goal every 77 minutes in the Europa League group stages this season, netting six times in total and also providing two assists, both of which came away from home.
The pair scored 11 of Zenit’s 17 goal haul in the last stage, a team total that was more than any other side in the competition.
Can the Hoops defence raise their game and stop this deadly duo?