The prospect of playing Barcelona is often more appealing and exciting than the reality.
Glamour friendlies don’t get any more glamorous that a kick-around with Leo Messi and friends.
Add in a weekend to Dublin, still celebrating the inspiring revolution that took root 100 years ago, and you’ve put together the perfect bhoys weekend.
However if you are in-between Champions League qualifiers, missing 75% of your central defensive options and finding your feet at a new club playing in front of 60,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium becomes a whole new ball game.
Brendan Rodgers priority is Wednesday’s return leg with Astana but putting on a show and learning from an afternoon out with Barca will also appeal to a manger who clearly knows the history.
Giving match time to some players, and rest to others will occupy Rodgers thoughts over the weekend as much as flying the flag.
With those priorities in mind CLICK ON the gallery to see the eleven players to worry Barcelona.
UNDISPUTED NO 1,
Craig Gordon must start. Playing Barcelona can be the ideal showcase for a goalkeeper- ask Fraser Forster, or a slow unwinding nightmare- again ask Fraser Forster!
The Southampton No. 1 played four times against Barca with the first two matches much more memorable than the final one- a 6-1 defeat which could have been much much worse.
Leo Fasan could do with some match time but not against Barcelona. Gordon was hot and cold against Astana, 90 pressurised minutes against the Barca front line will get his eye in for the return match with the Kazak’s.
SEND FOR SAIDY
Saidy Janko probably considered himself unlucky not to make the starting XI against Astana but he’s unlikely to get in ahead of a fit Mikael Lustig.
Playing against Barcelona should suit Janko’s style as he gets the chance to impress going forward without being up against an overly physical side.
If Celtic do reach the group phase of the Champions League they will need to use every man in the squad- putting in a dependable display tomorrow will give Rodgers plenty to think over.
AMBROSE IS RIGHT
There are few Celtic fans that would have Efe Ambrose anywhere near their first choice XI, or 18, but tomorrow’s match is a must play for the defender.
It’s unlikely that Kolo Toure or Erik Sviachenko will be fit to play against Astana meaning that Rodgers must again turn to Ambrose.
Ninety minutes of playing the Rodgers way will do Ambrose the world of good even if his short term future seems certain to be far away from Celtic Park.
CALLING O’CONNELL
Two years after making his debut Eoghan O’Connell became an overnight success story
during the 1-1 draw away to Astana.
Rather than shuffle his squad to play players out of position Rodgers trusted his judgement and got an imposing display out of the 20-year-old from Cork.
He may not have the pace of Maldini but his aerial ability and passing are a joy to behold with a first class attitude to succeed and make the most of the opportunity created by circumstances.
EMILIO TIME
Almost un-noticed Emilio Izaguirre is back in the Celtic fold but the shadow cast by Kieran Tierney is long and dark.
As first choice left-back at Celtic it’s all over for Izzy, as a useful back up with bags of experience he has lots to offer.
Like Saidy Janko on the other side of the park playing Barcelona should suit Izzy’s style- but a disciplined approach will be needed to curb his attacking instincts if Celtic are to avoid chasing shadows down the left.
PADDYS DAY
After his performance against Astana there must be a temptation to rest Patrick Roberts but it would be an act of cruelty to deny him the chance to test himself against Barcelona.
As well as his trickery Roberts showed great bravery against the Kazak side highlighted by his role in Leigh Griffiths’ equaliser.
Roberts isn’t shy on confidence, naturally when you invite comparisons with Lionel Messi, at the Aviva he can try out all the tricks he has honed against the masters of the dribble.
.
Â
ROGIC’S ROUTE
Tom Rogic made a notable impact as a substitute against Astana but the question remains unanswered- is he a 90 minute player?
After a disastrous start to his Celtic career last season saw Rogic emerge with some eye catching goals amid a sea of apathy around Ronny Deila.
Like others in this side Barcelona’s style of play should suit the young Australian, with so much competition for midfield places he needs to remind Rodgers of his value to the team.
BITTON’S BEST
Played an influential role coming on as a substitute in the draw with Astana and likely to be someone that Rodgers will rely on heavily in the coming weeks.
His measured style of play seems more suited to playing against European opponents than domestic fare where the pace and intensity passes him by.
Reportedly a recent transfer target for Espanyol making an impact against their city rivals, even in a friendly, won’t do his reputation any harm, a commanding midfield display would be warmly welcomed by his current club!
RYAN’S ROLE
Â
Four years ago Ryan sat with his dad watching Tony Watt take the acclaim in a famous Champions League victory.
While Watt attempts to stabilise his career with a loan move to Hearts Christie can live the dream of forcing his way into a Champions League side.
The early indications are that the former Inverness Caley Thistle man has impressed Rodgers more than other midfield hopefuls- impressing against Barcelona will edge Christie closer into the first XI place he is striving for.
DEMBELE MOMENT?
It hasn’t quite clicked at Celtic for Moussa Dembele but another 90 minutes alongside new team-mates will be a step in the right direction for the former Fulham striker.
There are certainly signs of things coming together for Dembele and a goal against Barca would do his confidence as much good as his CV.
As the first signing of the Rodgers regime a lot will be expected of Dembele, every minute is vital if he is to emerge as one of the heroes of the Champions League campaign.
NADIR CIFTCI
With Dembele still to score for Celtic it is essential that Rodgers uncovers, or signs, a scoring alternative to Leigh Griffiths.
Ciftci at times looks close to cutting it at Celtic, at other times he looks destined to join the ever expanding strikers hall of shame.
Being picked to play against Barcelona won’t do his confidence any harm, putting in an effective 90 minutes will give Rodgers more to think about as the Champions League qualifiers begin to get very serious.