Barring their strikers, Spanish side Barcelona have fielded a second-string squad against Celtic in the International Champions Cup.
Due to Neymar’s absence because of international commitments, youngster Munir El Hadaddi is playing alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the final third for Barcelona. In midfield, manager Luis Enrique has handed a start to 22-year-old Barcelona B player Juan Camara, and has opted to go for the pairing of Sergi Roberto and Arda Turan. After being re-signed from Villarreal, defender Denis Suarez has been given a chance to prove himself in this crucial pre-season tie. Barcelona’s third-choice goalkeeper Jordi Masip starts between the sticks against a full-strength Celtic side.
Line-up confirmed!@celticfc v @FCBarcelona
?? Força Barça!#ICC2016 #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/ZKjhW9Npqh— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 30, 2016
For the Scottish giants, manager Brendan Rodgers has named his strongest possible lineup. The Welshman has fielded a similar formation to that of Barcelona, playing with a three man attack including James Forrest, Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts. Former Manchester United academy product Saidy Janko will start the game as a right-back with Emillio Izaguirre playing on the opposite side of defence. The highly experienced Craig Gordon would have a monumental task in the Celtic goal facing a threatening attack comprising of Messi and Suarez.
CELTIC starting XI v @FCBarcelona: Gordon; Janko, Ambrose, O’Connell, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton, McGregor; Roberts, Griffiths, Forrest. (MN)
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) July 30, 2016
