5 Reasons Celtic will beat Barcelona
By Ryan Willox
3. Barcelona are understrength?
We will have to wait until about an hour before kick-off or so to fully assess the validity of this one.
Notwithstanding, both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez missed out on Barcelona’s frustrating 0-0 draw.
Messi missed out after an arduous international break, which involved playing in Argentina’s demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Brazil in FIFA World Cup qualification.
Suarez, meanwhile was suspended for the trip to Malaga, and will return for the Celtic game.
In their place alongside Neymar were Paco Alcacer and Arda Turan, who huffed and puffed for 90 minutes without success.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has confirmed that both Messi and Suarez had resumed training ahead of the Celtic clash but if either are not 100 per cent, it may open the door for Celtic.
The Spanish side did play possum before the side’s first encounter, losing at home to Alaves before demolishing Celtic.
However, Messi returning from an international break unwell is a concern as is a Suarez lacking full match fitness.
It must be remembered that Celtic missed a penalty at 0-1 in the Nou Camp, and more of that later, before Barca ran riot.
In tandem with items five and four, any combination of MSN missing, or lacking sharpness might open the door for another Celtic rearguard action.