Barcelona and Celtic meet at the Camp Nou to finish off Group H with both clubs already aware of their European fate in the new year. Celtic are out of Europe completely after a disappointing campaign and Barcelona will be in the last 16 of the Champions League although they still need a point to win the group and avoid a tougher draw in the next round.
Barcelona will be favourites to win the game but will have to do it without the injured Leo Messi, Victor Valdes and Cesc Fabregas. Xavi and Andres Iniesta appear to be fit again and will be in contention to take part. Dani Alves also misses out due to suspension.
Barcelona have struggled without Messi, losing to Ajax and Athletic Bilbao. A point against Ajax would have secured the group and made this game completely meaningless but they didn't seem particularly bothered about that result. At 2-1 down and playing against ten men, manager Tata Martino introduced some fringe players in place of his stars which was surprising.
Celtic will be without James Forrest and Beram Kayal but captain, Scott Brown is back after serving a three match suspension for a kick at Neymar when these sides met at Celtic Park. Brown is a fiesty character and it wouldn't be surprising to see him involved in another confrontation with the Brazilian should the opportunity present itself.
Domestically Celtic have been in scintillating form. Their last two games ended 7-0 away to Hearts and 5-0 away to Motherwell. They have been excellent but Barcelona are light years ahead of anyone Celtic will face in Scotland.
With Celtic's European fate already confirmed it will be interesting to see how Neil Lennon approaches this game tactically. This will be the fourth time the teams have met in little over a year and Celtic have gave Barcelona three difficult games, even winning in Glasgow last season. In each of the three previous ties Celtic were very defensive and Barcelona struggled to break them down. With Celtic already out they can afford to have a go at Barcelona which would be a very risky tactic as there aren't many teams in the who can beat Barca at their own game.
The pressure may be off Celtic but their players know this is their final bow on the European stage for this season and they will want to go out on a high. However, Barcelona won't want to be facing Bayern Munich in the last sixteen and if Martino puts out his best eleven it's difficult to see them not doing enough to win the group against a Celtic side who appear to have gone backwards after last years success.
Spain - La Liga VAVELPreview : Barcelona v Celtic
Barcelona host Celtic in a game they need at least a draw to secure Group H.
