Champions League 2015/16 profiles: Zenit St Petersburg

Ins and outs: All Zenit’s incoming additions this off-season were rather modest free agents, with Russia dangerman Artem Dzyuba the most high-profile switch from Spartak Moscow.

Notable names in the departure lounge included ex-Arsenal attacker Andrey Arshavin and former Bayern Munich man Anatoliy Tymoshchuk both bidding goodbye on Bosmans. West Bromwich Albion, meanwhile, made hitman Jose Salomon Rondon a record signing.

Familiar faces: Fans of international football will remember Argentina centre back Ezequiel Garay, once of Real Madrid and long-linked with the Premier League. The only name in Zenit ranks that has graced English football before is former Manchester City anchorman Javi Garcia.

Other recognisable names on the roster include Brazil forward Hulk, Italy international defender Domenico Criscito, plus Belgium pair Nicolas Lombaerts and Axel Witsel.

Key players: Former Porto predator Hulk is a crucial source of power, skill and goals from the wing, while at the other end, midfield battle-axe Witsel keeps opposition intruders at bay.

Ones to watch: Adaptable Russian midfield duo Oleg Shatov and Artur Yusupov are increasingly important cogs, able to chip in at both ends of the pitch and provide goals and assists.

Emerging talent: Versatile player Ivan Solovjev can operate all down the left flank and the uncapped 22-year-old will be aiming to impress his compatriots ahead of Euro 2016 this summer.

CL group and fixtures:

Group H
v Valencia (Away), September 16th
v Gent (Home), September 29th
v Lyon (Home), October 20th
v Lyon (Away), November 4th
v Valencia (Home), November 24th
v Gent (Away), December 9th