Prediction: Rodgers to use 3-5-1-1 at Zenit. Thoughts?

Brendan Rodgers used the 3-5-1-1 formation in the first leg against Zenit in the Europa League. The tactic gave freedom to an all-out attack on the visitors, allowing Celtic to edge out with a 1-0 win.

A new prediction from SoccerSouls says that Rodgers might use that same tactic in the second leg at Russia. The formation sees Moussa Dembele as the main striker, with the same three center backs that were used in the first leg.

Kieran Tierney will flank the midfield just as he did earlier, while interestingly, James Forrest will feature as the other wing back.

Forrest has been in captivating form as of late. A hat-trick against Partick Thistle fed momentum to the 26-year-old in the first Zenit clash at Celtic Park.

The focus of the formation has to be the defense. Allowing three defenders at the back seems risky, especially since Zenit only have to notch two goals. The total isn’t a lot, and Celtic have had a hard time finding the back of the net recently to go along with it.

Kristoffer Ajer will likely feature right in the heart of the back-line. His from has earned all sorts of praise from the media, as his young Hoops career is off to a blistering start. Rodgers must have a lot of trust in him, Mikael Lustig and Jozo Simunovic to get the job done.

Is it too much trust? Zenit have scored 18 goals at home in domestic play this season with an impressive goal differential of +18. At the same time, the Russian side suffered embarrassing defeats to Lokomotiv Moscow and Arsenal Tula.

More from The Celtic Bhoys

• Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
• Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
• Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
• BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
• Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters

Zenit will pack their attack for what could be their final shot at European silverware this season. Expect Aleksandr Kokorin and Emiliano Rigoni to start, both of whom combine for 14 goals in the Europa League.

It will be a test for this new form of the Celtic defense. Rodgers is relying on the attack to be their best defense, and supporters all know how crucial a second goal could be.

In hindsight, it’d be more comforting to see Tierney pushed back and Lustig slotted in on the other wing, but Rodgers sees best with the 3-5-1-1.

Other Quick News

Eboue Kouassi will make the trip to Russia for the second leg, and is predicted to start. SoccerSouls had this quick note to say about the young midfielder:

"The young midfielder has been quite impressive in the recent games whenever he has got his chances. Should keep his place in the starting line-up."

As for supporters traveling to the game, some have concern about security. Zenit took to Twitter very quickly basically say that traveling fans have nothing to worry about.

Catch the round-of-32 action this Thursday, Feb 22. at Krestovsky Stadium in Russia.

Next: 3 Upshots from Celtic vs. Zenit

Thoughts on the 3-5-1-1 formation? Excited to see Kouassi return to Russia for Celtic? Thoughts on Zenit’s response to the security issue? Let us know in the comments section below.

Enjoy the FIFA 18 prediction above!