UEFA Cup Fourth Round, Second Leg
Thursday 25th March 2004
Nou Camp
Kick Off 8.00, Live on BBC Scotland
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Celtic lead 1-0 from the first leg two weeks ago, the fact that we did not concede a goal proves that it was a fantastic result. It sounds obvious, but if Celtic score, Barca will need to score three goals to put us out - something that only Lyon have achieved this season.
Our team news isn't exactly inspiring. At the moment, Chris Sutton, Stan Varga, Alan Thompson and Paul Lambert are all carrying injuries, and it is unknown whether or not they will be fit to play. John Hartson and Shaun Maloney are long-term casualties, and Rab Douglas and Bobo Balde are suspended.
I believe Sutton, Varga and Thompson will start the game. Whether they finish it or not is a different matter, but we have to gamble on the three of them playing. I am quite content with David Marshall in goals, I just hope he gets an early feel of the ball to raise his confidence level. John Kennedy will play in defence and shouldn't let us down.
Barca have Saviola and Motta suspended, after both were sent off in the first leg. Patrick Kluivert and Giovanni van Bronkhurst will not be fit for the game, but Luis Garcia and Carles Puyol should recover from injuries to start the game.
Obviously, it is going to be a hot atmosphere inside the Nou Camp, and Barcelona don't really need an introduction. They showed a fortnight ago that they are skillful, pacy and good at defending as well as attacking. However, their finishing at Parkhead was dire - let's hope it stays that way.
Many fans are worried about the outcome of the game, but I am quietly confident. Celtic are always capable of scoring away from home and we will create chances.
Whatever the result, the important thing is that we are there. We have beaten Barcelona 1-0 at Celtic Park, and to be turned over in the Nou Camp would not be much of a surprise or an embarassment.
Progressing to the next round will be a mammoth task, if we do so it will go down as one of the finest achievements in the club's history.
Hail Hail!
Celtic-Mad Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Celtic