Champions League Preview and Odds - Barcelona vs Celtic

Champions League Preview and Odds - Barcelona vs Celtic

September 13, 2016 20:45pm - Camp Nou

Champions League - Group Stage

Brendan Rodgers failed to make an impact on the European stage during his time at Liverpool. But can he pull off a Champions League shock and lead Celtic to the group stages?

There is no doubt that there will be lower expectations and less pressure on the Northern Irishman`s shoulders to deliver at this level than he had at Liverpool, but he has already got the Glasgow team`s supporters believing that anything could be possible this term. And of course, the Scottish team do have some European pedigree of their own.

The Hoops will come into this game in buoyant mood after their 5-1 demolition of city rivals Rangers in last weekend`s derby game. With that result, Brendan Rodgers has furthered endeared himself to the fans who have so far been unanimous in their positivity towards his appointment.

Rodgers` first European game in charge of the Bhoys will see him face a club with whom he was once linked for the head coaching role - such was the value of his stock after leading Liverpool to second place in the Premier League in 2014.

Barcelona will need to pick themselves up for this clash after falling 2-1 at home to newly-promoted Deportivo Alaves at the weekend. The Catalan giants will be hoping that result was nothing more than a blip as they set out on their Champions League journey. Luis Enrique will be expected to once again challenge for the trophy that he won with the club back in 2015.

With Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach also in Group C, the Spanish side will be hoping to hit the ground running with some difficult clashes to come.

Team news

Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen still has a hamstring problem and is likely to miss out for the home side.

Meanwhile, the reigning Scottish Premier League champions will be without forward Leigh Griffiths, who also has a hamstring issue. On a more positive note, Captain Scott Brown has been declared fit after picking up a knock in the win over Rangers.

Recent form (All competitions)

Barcelona: LWWWW

Celtic: WWLWW

Betting odds and tips

Celtic are in good shape and will be full of confidence following their convincing win over Rangers. However, Barcelona will surely bounce back from their weekend slip-up. Unfortunately, you won`t get any value for backing a home win so it could be worth looking at the Both Teams to Score market. That wager paid out when the teams met in a friendly match back in the summer.

The Scottish side have scored 18 goals in their last five competitive matches and could once again find the net at the Camp Nou.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 5/4 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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