Preview: Zenit v Monaco

• André Villas-Boas talks of his "good relationship" with compatriot Leonardo Jardim
• The Zenit coach is wary of an experienced Monaco side containing "a lot of good players"
• The Russian team are 14 games unbeaten in all competitions, winning 13
• Jardim backs Monaco to profit on the break
• Zenit "cannot attack for a whole match," says the Portuguese tactician

Possible lineups
Zenit: Lodygin; Smolnikov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito; Fayzulin, Javi García; Shatov, Danny; Rondon, Hulk.
• Doubtful: Tymoshchuk (thigh), Witsel (illness)

Monaco: Subašić; Fabinho, Raggi, Carvalho, Kurzawa; Toulalan, Moutinho, Silva; Germain, Carrasco, Berbatov.
• Out: Traoré (hamstring), Borja López (knee), Abdennour (thigh)

André Villas-Boas, Zenit coach
I have always had a very good relationship with Jardim. We have had to adapt to new teams and are faced with similar challenges. Yesterday we talked on the phone; it was a nice, friendly conversation. Monaco's experience could play a big part. They have a lot of good players, such as [Ricardo] Carvalho, [João] Moutinho and [Dimitar] Berbatov, who have played in European competition.

All matches are different; it is difficult to find something in common between any two games. Monaco could set up in any formation. Maybe they haven't scored so many goals, but they can be explosive on the counterattack, which is something to be feared. We are in good physical and mental shape and both teams understand the importance of tomorrow's match in terms of the standings.

Both teams will show their football philosophy, their style of play. We will try to win, to take the initiative. Of course, if things turn out as well as they did in Lisbon, we will be happy.

Leonardo Jardim, Monaco coach
All Champions League games are played in midweek, so we have to adjust to be in shape for European matches as well as domestic league fixtures. Monaco – like the other teams in the Champions League – play a little bit differently in Europe than they do in the league because it is a different level of game.

The weather conditions are great for this match – not too cold and not too hot. I have watched Zenit and studied the team. I know their players who played in Portugal. They are a powerful team who play attacking football. They will stick to their guns, but you cannot attack for a whole match, so we have a chance.

The players who played in Portugal are doing well in Russia; they are all playing top football. I have known Danny since he was a youngster; we are both from Madeira. Since coming to Russia, Danny has become a strong, classy player.

Weekend results
Zenit 0-0 FC Spartak Moskva
Monaco 0-1 OGC Nice (Carlos Eduardo 7)

Form guide (all competitions)
Zenit: DWWWWW
Monaco: LWWWLD

Match facts
• How many previous trips have Monaco made to Russia? Find out in our extensive match background.