Celtic needs some serious fight back in order to achieve qualification to the round of 16. 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. Third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach have four points and Celtic need to overtake them in order to qualify for the Europa League at least.
Celtic will take on La Liga giants Barcelona at Celtic Park on Wednesday in the fifth round of the group stage. The Bhoys were humiliated by the Catalan giants in the reverse fixture. Luis Enrique’s side thrashed Brendan Rodgers’ boys 7-0 at Camp Nou. So, the Bhoys will all fired up for a revenge but will know that it will be a very tough task. Celtic are in a sensational form right now unbeaten in their last six games whereas Barcelona’s recent form will be concerning for the fans.
Barcelona failed to clinch a win against Malaga on Saturday even though the Albicelestes went two men down. Let us take a look at the predicted Celtic lineup against Barcelona.
Defence
Scottish custodian Craig Gordon will keep his place under the bar ahead of Dorus de Vries. Erik Sviatchenko will keep his place at the heart of the defence. Jozo Simunovic should start alongside the Dane at the heart of the defence.
Swedish international Mikael Lustig is likely to start at right-back. Emilio Izaguirre is likely to start at left-back with Kieran Tierney out injured.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown is enjoying a purple patch of form this season and is an assured starter in the middle of the park. We expect Stuart Armstrong to pair up with the 31-year-old in the middle of the park. Armstrong has done a decent job as a number eight this season and scored the winner last Saturday against Kilmarnock.
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Tom Rogic is likely to start as the number ten and will be looking to keep up his stunning form. The Aussie was on the bench against Killie and should be fresh for the game.
Attack
Moussa Dembele is in a stunning form this season and has established himself as the first-choice striker at Parkhead. James Forrest’s form has dried up of late and the Scot is likely to start the game from the bench.
Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts could get his chance on the right flank while Scott Sinclair is likely to keep his place on the left.
