Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova possibly has more players injured than his medical staff could handle. He will be without Sergio Busquets because of suspension. Tito will go “all in” with Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta in midfield and Messi, Pedro, Villa in attack. Gerard Pique is doubtful to start the match and so is Adriano.
With limited options to choose, Tito should be happy that the solution had presented itself than him muddling over which players to use.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed that left-back Emilio Izaguirre will be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury. The Hoops manager rested Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras for the game against against Dundee United. However, Samaras could be available for selection despite carrying an ankle injury. After all, he gave Celtic the lead at Camp Nou.
Niel Lennon said: "But regardless of the other injuries, it is important that Samaras does make it. He has been very unlucky with injuries because his form has been excellent in the qualifiers and in the early part of the season.
"He had the bad elbow injury playing for Greece which set him back three or four weeks.
"He came back for the Barca game and played very well until he picked up the ankle injury so even if the rest of the players were fit, Samaras would have been very important to us and we are hoping he is going to make kick-off."
Barca like always will try to keep the game narrow and attack through the middle. Fabregas selection over Song is intriguing given Busquets absence from the squad. Vilanova’s decision to attack and take the game to Celtic is exciting. Home or away Vilanova’s side always play the Barca way.
Celtic can only count on set pieces and a rare slip-up from Barca defence if they fancy scoring in this match. The Scots are second in the group on four points and they will love to pick up at least a point. Spartak Moscow will be playing an out of form Benfica and a win should take them above Celtic. Barca just need a point to wrap up the group stages.
Barcelona Form Guide: DWWWWW
Celtic Form Guide: WWLLWD
Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Celtic
