The Celtic fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping for a vastly improved European campaign in the Europa League next year.
Although Celtic were drawn into an extremely competitive group alongside PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season, the Hoops faithful propping up the bar here were disappointed to crash out with just 3 points to their name. However, Brendan Rodgers’ side managed to finish third in the group and scrape through into the Europa League despite their low points total.
The Celtic supporters discovered who they will face in the last 32 of the competition earlier today after the draw for the Europa League saw their side pitted against Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Celtic’s former hero Chris Sutton took to Twitter to state his belief that the Scottish Champions have been handed a difficult tie for the next stage of their European adventure.
.@btsportfootball Tough draw for in Europa for Celtic… Zenit
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 11, 2017
However, plenty of the Celtic supporters have correctly pointed out that both legs of their tie against Zenit will be played during winter break of the Russian Premier League – a factor which should give The Bhoys a significant advantage.
Regardless of the potential rustiness of Zenit’s squad, Celtic fans are fully expecting a tough couple of matches against a side who previously won the competition when it was known as the Uefa Cup back in 2008.
Here’s what the fans had to say in response to Christ Sutton’s Twitter post…
Celtic win – outstanding
Zenit win – Financialllllll gapppppp
— Ryàn (@RyanAli72) December 11, 2017
They start their winter break tomorrow and don't play again till 4th March
— JungleLion (@JungleLion_) December 11, 2017
Winnable if rodgers fixes the defensive problem
— Dermot O'Connor (@DOConnor1888) December 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/JoeNsign/status/940202838684323840
Can you see any way for Celtic to get through? New signings needed?
— Mental As Anything CSC (@MrCliftonville) December 11, 2017
thinking a new centre half or two might help
— Tumble Drift (@GerryH64) December 11, 2017
In Knock out football anything can happen
— Flash (@chrisg_199) December 11, 2017
Definitely. Will the 3 month League shut down benefit Celtic as after tonight, we are their next games?
— Tom Dearie 🏴 (@tomdearie) December 11, 2017
Pretty much any draw would have been tough. If Celtic are to progress they really need to assert their authority in the home leg as Zenit are likely to be rusty after their winter break.
— Jer Hetherington 🏴🇩🇪⚽️🏸⛷️ (@Hedginald) December 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/Stato_Grant/status/940200278657327104
