Brazilian forward Hulk will start for Zenit St Petersburg as they look to strengthen their grip on Group H with victory at home to Gent.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas, who will leave the Russian club at the end of the season, has also chosen Axel Witsel and ex-Manchester City player Javi Garcia in midfield, with Ezequiel Garay starting in defence.

Meanwhile, Gent have Laurent Depoitre leading the line against Zenit, looking to build on their draw against Lyon.

Head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck has also opted for Brazilian duo Renato Neto and Rafinha to face the 2008 UEFA Cup winners.

Zenit St Petersburg: Kerzhakov; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Smolnikov, Garay; Danny, Shatov, Javi Garcia, Witsel; Hulk, Dzyuba
Subs: Lodygin, Criscito, Luis Neto, Ryazantsev, Yusupov, Evseev, Dolgov

Gent: Sels, Rafinha, Mitrovic, Asare, Neilsen, Matton, Renato Neto, Kums, Saief, Milicevic, Depoitre
Subs: Vandenbussche, Vitas, Coulibaly, Van der Bruggen, Raman, Simon, Pedersen