• André Villas-Boas warns that, on their day, Gent can trouble anyone
• Gent are 12 games unbeaten in all competitions this term
• Zenit won five of their eight home matches Europe in 2014/15, losing only once
• The visitors unable to train in Russia after their flight was diverted to Vilnius
Possible lineups
Zenit: Lodygin; Smolnikov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito; Javi García, Witsel, Yusupov, Shatov, Danny; Dzyuba.
Out: Fayzulin (knee)
Doubtful: Hulk (groin), Anyukov (leg)
Gent: Sels; Asare, Mitrović, Nielsen; Netro, Kums; Raman, Milicevic, Matton; Simon, Depoitre.
Out: Gershon (knee), Johansson (knee), Foket (suspended), Dejaegere (suspended)
André Villas-Boas, Zenit coach
Gent have a strong team spirit and it’s hard to pick out any individual players. Their draw with Lyon was proof of their ability; even though they [were down to nine men] they fought and fought. Gent have a mixture of youth and experience, and the ability to cause any opponent problems.
We need a good home display. We have players who can decide a game on their own; they can find space. We also know the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents, but most of all we need to maintain our own motivation, discipline and concentration. We have to perform with confidence.
