Celtic v Barcelona: Alba to inspire Bhoys schooling

Jordi Alba is redefining the left-back role at Barcelona

After coming agonisingly close to a point at the Camp Nou, Celtic entertain a Barcelona side in top form...

Celtic v Barcelona, Wednesday 19:45, Sky Sports 3, Match Odds: Celtic 11.010/1, Barcelona 1.331/3, The Draw 5.95/1

Celtic were dealt the harshest of blows in the Camp Nou when Barcelona cruelly ended the Scottish side's resistance with a last-gasp winner to deny them what would have been a famous point in Spain.

All this came after Neil Lennon's side had been bold enough to take a lead at the home of the tournament favourites, a situation which should give the hosts bundles of belief ahead of the return tie. 

Barcelona were noticeably off key that evening but there is no doubting that Celtic's players put in a fearless and often heroic display to be proud of.

This time around, the Hoops bring them back to Celtic Park, where they have a hugely formidable record of their own. 

Celtic have only lost two home games in the modern version of the Champions League (excluding qualifiers) though notably those defeats came at the hands of Barcelona.

An opening day draw with Benfica, played out in front of typically a vociferous crowd, signifies that the Catalans will certainly not have it all their own way when they touch down on Scottish soil. 

However, a real source of concern to the Scottish champions will be their SPL form since losing in Barcelona, which consists of a shock 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock and a highly unsatisfactory draw at lowly Dundee United. 

Celtic will scrap for everything once again but it's difficult to see them matching the quality of Barcelona. 

Over 3.5 goals

In stark contrast to Celtic's mixed form, their visitors have bulldozed their way to a further three wins in all competitions, scoring 11 and conceding just the one goal. 

The last six Barcelona games have featured over 2.5 goals, with two of the last three going over the 3.5 goals mark.

Celtic have been involved in similarly entertaining goalfests in recent times too, with three out of their last five games producing over 4.5. 

To Score

A surprise source of goals for Barcelona has been their diminutive yet incredibly dynamic left-back Jordi Alba.

Signed from Valencia in the summer and one of Spain's star performer's at Euro 2012, Alba has hit a purple patch - three in his last four - including popping up to break Celtic hearts. 

Recommended Bet: Back over 3.5 goals @ 2.427/5
Other Recommended Bet: Back Jordi Alba to score @ 8.415/2