Celtic will host La Liga holders Barcelona at Celtic Park on Wednesday night in matchday 5 of the Champions League group stage. The Hoops are at the rock bottom of group C with just two points to their name. Leaders Barcelona are all but qualified with nine points so far whereas Manchester City are comfortable in the second spot with 7 points. Barcelona’s target will be to finish first from this group and for that, they need to win this game.
Celtic are in startling form this season in domestic competitions but have struggled in the Champions League. However, they could still manage a Europa League qualification if the other results go their way and they win their own games. Brendan Rodgers’ men were humiliated by Barcelona in the reverse fixture. The game ended 7-0 in favour of the Catalan giants and Celtic will be looking for revenge. They have the momentum with them and have the home advantage too.
Barcelona failed to clinch a win against Malaga on Saturday even though the away side went two men down. Luis Enrique’s side are not in the best shape right now and will be desperate to get a win at Paradise at any cost. Their away form hasn’t been the best in the UCL though as they narrowly beat Gladbach and were beaten handsomely by Manchester City.
Team news
Celtic
Leigh Griffiths missed the last game with a minor injury and could miss the Barcelona game too. Kieran Tierney will sit out on the sidelines. Emilio Izaguirre and Tom Rogic are likely to return to the starting XI.
Barcelona
Andres Iniesta and Samuel Umtiti are both going to sit out. Lionel Messi missed the last game in the weekend with illness but could return to the starting XI against Celtic. Jeremy Mathieu is doubtful for the game.
Predicted lineups
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Sviatchenko, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Brown, Armstrong; Forrest, Rogic, Sinclair; Dembele
Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Turan; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Key players
Barcelona- Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan superstar missed the Malaga game with a yellow card suspension and Barcelona could not find their way past a nine-man Malaga. The 29-year-old will return to the starting XI against Celtic and will be looking to tear apart the defence of the Hoops.
Celtic- Moussa Dembele
16 goals from 25 games- Dembele is making the headlines in Scotland on a weekly basis this time out. The lethal French wonderkid missed a penalty against Barcelona in the reverse fixture. Dembele will be the biggest threat to Luis Enrique’s defence on Wednesday.
Odds
Celtic – 9/1
Draw – 9/2
Barcelona – 2/7
