Champions League Preview, Celtic Vs. Barcelona: Live Streaming, Predictions, And Starting Lineups
Two months after suffering their heaviest ever European defeat, Celtic will be determined to show a different face to Barcelona when these teams meet again on match-day five of the Champions League.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic has failed to register a single win from four Champions League matches so far. They, whilst equally drawing and losing all of their matches, find themselves on the bottom of Group C.
Big night ahead at Celtic Park in #ChampionsDraw No.30:
?? @celticfc v @FCBarcelona
?? @ShedCreativeUK pic.twitter.com/BeVnU66ht4— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 23, 2016
Barcelona’s top standing remains unharmed even though they were deservedly beaten by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their last European fixture. With nine points on their credit, Barcelona will eye a win against the Scottish side to preserve their domination on the group.
However, a defeat at the Celtic Park will open the door for the second-placed Manchester City to claim the crown of Group C.
When these two sides met previously this season, Luis Enrique’s Barcelona displayed, probably, their best-ever European performance of their history by thrashing Celtic 7-0 at the Camp Nou.
Team News: Celtic
Brendan Rodgers’ team shows no sign of any injuries, and all the players look rather fit for the showdown against Barcelona.
Scott Sinclair, who is the top scorer of the Scottish league, will look to replicate his domestic form to the Champions League as well. Front-man Moussa Dembele is in a scintillating form, which will provide the home side more flavor on their attacking play.
The Hoops have kept six consecutive clean sheets in domestic competitions, so the defensive trio of Lustig, Sviatchenko, and Simunovic are probable to check the attack by the Catalan giants.
Celtic: Predicted Line-up (3-5-2)
Gordon- Lustig, Sviatchenko, Simunovic- Brown, Armstrong, McGregor, Roberts, Sinclair – Griffiths, Dembele
Team News: Barcelona
PREVIEW: All you need to know about the @ChampionsLeague meeting between Celtic and FC Barcelona: https://t.co/BSSSsPwBnR #CelticFCB pic.twitter.com/y0m8iDyXCv
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 23, 2016
Barcelona failed to break Malaga’s defense this weekend as they drew 0-0 at home.
Lionel Messi, who missed that match because of an abdominal discomfort, is clear to play against Celtic, which is a big boost for manager Luis Enrique.
Good news for Barcelona’s fans is that forward Luis Suarez is ready to start the match after missing out the Malaga game due to suspension.
Andres Iniesta injury will heavily affect Barca’s midfield balance and creativity. The Barcelona playmaker, who suffered from a ligament injury, is sure to miss the match against Celtic.
Alexi Vidal will also be unavailable for selection due to his hamstring injury.
Barcelona: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
ter Stegen- Sergio Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Denis Suarez- Suarez, Messi, Neymar
Celtic vs. Barcelona: Head-to-Head
Total games: Eight
Celtic wins: One
Barcelona wins: Seven
Draws: 0
Celtic vs. Barcelona: TV Schedule and Channel
In the U.K., the match will be live on BT Sport Live Streaming, BT Sport 4K UHD, and BT Sport ESPN. For the U.S., the game will be broadcast on WatchESPN, Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, ESPN Deportes USA, and Fox Sports 2 USA. For other regions, TV schedule can be found in the link here.
Celtic vs. Barcelona: Prediction
The possible scenarios for FC Barcelona to reach the #UCL last 16: https://t.co/fuYEmy5xc8 #CelticFCB pic.twitter.com/KmlypXBxSY
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 23, 2016
Celtic will try to end this year’s Champions League campaign with some positives by winning against Barcelona. The Hoops qualification to the next round seems almost impossible as they have only two points from four games so far.
Without a doubt, their highest achievement in Europe this season would be to beat the Catalan side in front of their fans.
Barcelona, on the other hand, will try to confirm their qualification by winning against the Brits. They seem much stronger than Celtic in every aspect. Celtic would have to double their efforts if they are to disappoint the five-time European champions.
Final Predicted Score. Celtic 1-2 Barcelona
Celtic vs. Barcelona: Betting Tips and Odds
- Celtic win: 9/1
- A draw: 9/2
- Barcelona win: 3/10
- Under 2.5 goals: 13/8
- Over 2.5 goals: 4/9
- Both teams score: 8/11
- Both teams fail to score: evens
The odds were provided by Paddypower.
Key Stats to consider
- The Hoops are on a 15-game unbeaten run in domestic competition.
- Celtic hasn’t won a single Champions League game this season.
- Out of their four matches, Celtic has lost two and drawn two.
- Barcelona has won seven of their last eight matches against Celtic.
- Barcelona has scored at least three goals in their last three matches against Celtic.
The Celtic vs. Barcelona stats were provided by Soccerway.
Celtic vs. Barcelona: Live Stream
The match can be streamed live online by clicking this link.
[Featured Image by David Ramos/Getty Images]
