The last time Barcelona traveled to Celtic Park they were stunned 2-1 by the Hoops during last season's Champions League group stages. While they should give Neil Lennon's side some level of confidence, at least a belief that they can compete with the Blaugrana, this is a new season and nothing can be taken for granted.
Celtic vs. Barcelona: Preview and TV schedule
Celtic were able to upset Barcelona at Celtic Park in last season’s Champions League but it will still be a massive challenge for them to repeat the feat on Tuesday.
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Things will be made every so slightly easier for Celtic with Lionel Messi sidelined but it's not as if Barca don't have plenty of other talent at their disposal. Lennon knows his side will have to be even better than they were last season if they want to pull off a second straight upset. Adam Matthews is available after leaving Celtic's weekend match early with an illness. James Forrest and Beram Kayal should be available for selection as well.
Gerardo Martino has made it clear he expects the rest of his team to step up with Messi out and he's likely to unleash Neymar and Cesc Fàbregas (in Messi's role) on Celtic. Barcelona's back line will again be the focal point with Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba still out injured. Youngster Marc Bartra will likely get another start in the central defense.
Celtic injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Ledley (groin). In doubt: Derk Boerriger (ankle).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Lionel Messi (thigh), Javier Mascherano (hamstring), Jordi Alba (hamstring), Carles Puyol (knee), Isaac Cuenca (knee), Ibrahim Afellay (thigh).
Celtic will be without Joe Ledley who remains sidelined with a groin problem. Derk Boerriger is a doubt, but could make the bench. Barcelona are of course missing Lionel Messi after their star striker picked up a thigh injury over the weekend. Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba were left behind as they both work back from hamstring problems, while Carles Puyol's knee is still not ready to go.
Projected lineups
Celtic: Frasier Forster, Adam Matthews, Efe Ambrose, Virgil van Dijk, Emilio Izaguirre, Scott Brown, Kris Commons, Charlie Mulgrew, Georgios Samaras, Anthony Stokes, Teemu Pukki.
Barcelona: Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Gerard Piqué, Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Pedro Rodriguez, Cesc Fabregas, Neymar.
Match Date/Time: 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
TV: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes (U.S.), ITV 1 (U.K.), Sportsnet (Canada)
Online: Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), ITV Streaming (U.K.)
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