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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 Preview: Celtic vs. Juventus Feb 11, 2013 It's back. After an arduous three-month hiatus, exhilarating tournament draw and much build up, the UEFA Champions league will resume in a capacity that will dwarf any Valentine's day plans you may have had. Among the mouthwatering ties is the historic clash of Scottish champions Celtic and Italian champions Juventus. Despite only meeting on four previous occasions, both clubs boast a rich footballing history in Europe; with both sets of fans among the most passionate in the world, expect an electric atmosphere come matchday. To say that this tie is perfectly poised would be an understatement. Why? Well if you look at the head-to-head between both sides it will make sense. Four encounters are split two and two...with neither side losing out at their home ground. Following on from that point, Celtic, have won 21 of their last 23 home matches in UEFA's premier competition...Antonio Conte's men have their work cut out for them. So where does that leave us? Celtic Team News Like most teams in this year's competition, the team from Glasgow have been affected by player losses to the Africa Cup of Nations. However, with the tournament over, Celtic can welcome back Nigerian Efe Ambrose to the squad. His selection would obviously depend on his fatigue from the tournament, but he is most definitely at the disposal of Neil Lennon. Emilio Izaguirre and Georgios Samaras are still recovering from knee and thigh injuries respectively, but as the match draws closer it seems their prognosis is getting better. Don't be surprised to see either one start or at the very least be named on the bench. Despite a brilliant debut—the likes of which saw him awarded Man of the Match—new Australian signing Tom Rogic has not been selected in Celtic's Champions League squad. The decision may come back to bite Lennon considering just how good Rogic was against Inverness. Nonetheless, here is the squad at Lennon's disposal for the midweek tie: Kris Commons, Izaguirre, Beram Kayal, Scott Brown, Dylan McGeouch, Tony Watt, Charlie Mulgrew, Efe Ambrose, Miku Fedor, Fraser Forster, Gary Hooper, Joe Ledley, Mikael Lustig, Adam Matthews, Lassad Nouioui, Thomas Rogne, Samaras, Victor Wanyama, Kelvin Wilson, Lukasz Zaluska, Anthony Stokes, Bahrudin Atajic, Joe Chalmers, James Forrest, Marcus Fraser, Paul George, John Herron. Juventus Team News Following a solid 2-0 showing against Fiorentina on the weekend, the Bianconeri have moved five points clear at the top of the Serie A. Despite not being at the helm of the Old Lady's win—due to suspension—Antonio Conte can now return to the dugout. With Kwadwo Asamoah back from AFCON duty and Leonardo Bonucci back from suspension, Conte practically has the full Juventus squad at his disposal. He does, however, have to make do without defender Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo de Ceglie, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner. With Mirko Vucinic having quite an emphatic run of form, expect him to start for the Bianconeri most likely alongside Sebastian Giovinco. Although, seeing as though Alessandro Matri has also found his scoring boots, don't put it past Conte to mix things up. Conte's 22-man-squad is as follows: Gianluigi Buffon, Marco Storari, Rubinho, Martin Caceres, Federico Peluso, Andrea Barzagli, Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Simone Padoin, Andrea Pirlo, Asamoah, Arturo Vidal, Emanuele Giaccherini, Mauricio Isla, Luca Marrone, Vucinic,Giovinco, Nicolas Anelka, Fabio Quagliarella, Matri. Build Up Here's what's been doing the rounds prior to kickoff. Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo had this to say to the media (via Eurosport) about Celtic: "If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle." Former Juventus manager Marcelo Lippi had this to say to the Daily Record (via Goal.com) about Juventus' Champions League hopes: For me, there are four clubs left in the draw who are a few rungs above everyone else: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich. These teams are the favourites but there’s no doubt Juventus have quality and will be aiming to challenge. Celtic boss Neil Lennon made comparisons between the Juve of 2001-02 to the Scudetto-winning side telling the media: Lippi's team had more flair with Trezeguet, Del Piero, Nedved and Davids. This team is more workmanlike, without being disrespectful to them. But in the final third they are clinical and they are probably also better defensively than Barcelona. They are strong, organised and very difficult to break down. Fomer Celtic forward and Italian Massimo Donati reflected on the last time Celtic made the knockout phases of the Champions League telling the Scotsman: I will always remember that night because it was the best of my career, the highlight, the most magnifico moment. I sometimes watch it on YouTube because, like Celtic, that goal is always in my heart, in my mind. Final Word Juventus remain just one of four teams undefeated in the 2012-13 installment of the competition. However, they will know first-hand just how meaningless that is, considering their last few ventures into the knockouts. Celtic boast an impressive home record, including a victory against Barcelona at home in the group stage.With both sides defeating last season's respective finalists, expect an intriguing encounter at Celtic Park come kickoff. Expect Juve to come away winners in both the first leg and the tie...but this year's competition has produced some unexpected results, the likes of which Celtic themselves were responsible for. Prediction: Celtic 0-1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Champions League preview: Celtic v Juventus Feb 11, 2013 This week sees the return of the Champions League and with it, an extremely intriguing clash as the best Italy has to offer in Juventus travel to Glasgow to take on Scotland’s finest in Celtic in the last 16. One thing that has become apparent when watching the Bhoys in the Champions League in the past 13 years or so, and this season too, is that when they are at home they really cannot be underestimated. The atmosphere created at Parkhead is famous all over the world and will be something new for many Juventus stars (only Andrea Pirlo has experienced it before) and should make for an exciting contest. The beating of Barcelona there in the group stages should be a warning shot to the Bianconeri that they are not to be taken lightly but they themselves also came through an extremely difficult group containing perennial dark horses Shakhtar Donetsk and reigning champions Chelsea. Which makes this game such an exciting one because, while you undoubtedly fancy Juve to get the better of Celtic in Turin, away from home it is a much different story and Antonio Conte may well be setting his side up to leave the east end of Glasgow with a draw although their performances away from home in the competition this year show that they are capable of attacking and scoring against anyone. Both sides come into the game on the back of impressive domestic wins this weekend, Juventus besting Fiorentina 2-0 and Celtic easing out Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1, and both currently sit top of their respective leagues. However, one interesting point of note is when comparing the two starting XIs that took to the field for each club on league duty this weekend. Only two of those who started for Celtic, and one of whom is goalkeeper Fraser Forster, are likely to line out from the start on Tuesday night while the Old Lady chose to start men like Andrea Barzagli, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Matri who would all be hoping that they will start in Scotland. One major blow to the Bianconeri is an injury picked up to Mirko Vucinic and he limped out of the game against the Viola after scoring a rocket. He is a truly big-game player and in the Champions League with Roma, was often their key men in such contests and Antonio Conte will be desperately hoping that he is fit to start. Will there be a lack of freshness too in the Juventus side as a result of this? Celtic also have the very small but nonetheless noteworthy advantage of having their game at the weekend kick of on Saturday at midday while Juventus did not play until Saturday night. When you think that they also face a journey to Glasgow shortly afterwards on top of this, you cannot help but feel that tiredness may be a factor for some of the Bianconeri players. They admittedly were not in the same luxurious position as their rivals given that, had they rested many key players against Fiorentina, they may have slipped up and allowed Napoli to really pile the pressure on them while Celtic boss Neil Lennon was able to tinker given that his side had a 15 point lead in the title race going into the game. One positive for Conte is that Leo Bonucci is back from suspension while Kwadwo Asamoah has returned from the African Cup of Nations although Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Nicklas Bendtner and Paolo De Ceglie are all out. For Celtic, key players Georgios Samaras and Emilio Izaguirre are both recovering from knocks but are hoped to be fit for the game while African Cup of Nations-winning defender Efe Ambrose has returned to Glasgow following his victory and will be pushing for contention. These sides have only met once in the revamped Champions League (although Juventus did knock Celtic out of the European Cup in 1980/81) when they were paired in the 2001 group stages together. A dubious last minute penalty at the Delle Alpi helped the Bianconeri to a 3-2 win while the Hoops emerged victorious thanks to a 4-3 win in Glasgow, but it would be very surprising if there were as many goals shared between the sides this time around.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Buffon: the Celtic Park crowd don't scare me Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon insists he will not be intimidated by a 60,000 sell-out Celtic Park tomorrow night. Feb 11, 2013 The 35-year-old Italian international was on the bench in October 2001, when Juventus lost 4-3 to the Hoops at Parkhead in a dramatic Champions League qualifier. That was not his first experience of a Glasgow football crowd, having played for Parma against Rangers in a UEFA Cup match at Ibrox in 1998, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and again in a Champions League qualifier the following year when the Light Blues won 2-0. However, while Celtic Park gears up for another great European night when the Old Lady of Italy visits for the first-leg of the Champions League last-16 clash, Buffon refused to buy into the cliche of the crowd being the 12th man. He said: "I have played here (Glasgow) two or three times with Parma and Juventus although the last time 10 years ago I was on the bench. "It was the last match in the group and we had already qualified. "The atmosphere is very British in many ways but as far as I can remember, no fan has ever scored a goal. "Certainly the crowd can help Celtic but only to a certain point. "The opponents can't get carried away with this and must focus on their own game. "The most hostile atmospheres I have ever played in, I would probably have to say is Turkey, at Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. "Of course, here, at both Celtic and Rangers, they have stadiums that when full have an excellent atmosphere, we already know this and we respect this very much." Buffon, though, does not believe that keeping a clean sheet will guarantee a Juventus a safe passage into the quarter-finals. He said: "If I don't concede a goal tomorrow night then we can be sure that we will at least get a draw which will be something that would be very good to build on for the second-leg, but only to a certain extent. "It's not a case of us going out to attack and Celtic going out to defend, both teams will play to their strengths to try to win the game. "It wouldn't be categorical that we would be going through if I don't concede a goal tomorrow but it would certainly be a good start."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Five Celtic players Juventus must watch out for Feb 11, 2013 It seems that every time Celtic are mentioned at home in Europe, it is with great emphasis on the crowd being their 12th man, and it will be no different against Italian champions Juventus. However, it would be foolish to overlook some of the danger men on the pitch in the Celtic side who Juventus will have to keep a close eye on. Meet the men who will be out to hurt Antonio Conte and his players: Gary Hooper Celtic rejected three bids during the January transfer window from Norwich City for their star striker Gary Hooper, the latest of which was a £9.2m offer which shows what a threat he is. Capable of scoring against any opposition, ‘Hooperman’ has worked his way up from non-league English football to become one of Britain’s top marksmen. He has two goals in the group stages to his name, both of which were crucial strikes against Spartak Moscow both home and away, and will be desperate to show that he can continue hitting the back of the net in these advanced stages of the tournament. The former Scunthorpe United man has also hurt Italian opposition previously when he scored the Bhoys’ goal in their 1-1 draw away to Udinese in the Europa League last season. The 25-year-old has made no secret of the fact that he is looking for a move away having rejected the club’s latest contract offer and a big performance against Juventus would show potential suitors that he would definitely be an attacking investment worth making. The fact that England boss Roy Hodgson will also be in attendance at Parkhead to watch him with a view to a call-up means he will have a lot to play for on a personal level and 74 goals in 120 Celtic appearances prove this is a man who can trouble Gianluigi Buffon and co. Fraser Forster ‘The Great Wall’ was what Forster was dubbed by the Catalan press following his heroic performances both home and away against Barcelona in keeping arguably the best side in the world at bay as he pulled of wonder save after wonder save to deny Lionel Messi and his teammates time and again. When his resistance was eventually breached in injury time in Glasgow, it was only while he was on the ground after making a great diving stop to deny Pedro. He is capable of giving the Bianconeri attackers a real headache throughout this clash and Neil Lennon will be breathing a massive sigh of relief that he is now fit again to take his place between the sticks as he had been a doubt recently through injury but came through their weekend clash unscathed and will be ready to test himself against the best once more. His shot-stopping and confidence in the air are the 24-year-old’s biggest attributes although his kicking prowess remains something of a worry for Celtic supporters and is one thing that Juventus could look to take advantage of. His displays though have even caught the eye of the competition and one of the best of all time. “He can become one of the elite goalkeepers along with Joe Hart, Manuel Neuer and Salvatore Sirigu some day if he continues to improve,”Forster’s hero and Juventus captain Buffon said of him. Georgios Samaras If he can overcome a niggling thigh injury and take to the field when the Champions League theme booms out around an electric Parkhead, then he is arguably the player most capable of making a difference for Celtic. His threat is clear, a wonderful turn of pace and capable of being a goalscoring threat as well as dragging defenders out of position with his intelligent running out wide are topped off by a real aerial threat that the Old Lady defence will have to be at their best to deal with. This season, the Greek international became the first ever Celtic player to score in five consecutive away Champions League games when he scored against Helsinki, Helsinborgs, Spartak Moscow, Barcelona and Benfica and will be looking to make it six when the sides meet in Turin too. Of these five goals, four of them were headers which shows that Juventus will really need to keep an eye on the winger at all times. The likely plan for Neil Lennon’s side is going to be getting Samaras racing on to balls behind Stephan Lichtsteiner and trying to isolate the centre-backs which he has done to devastating effect so far for the Bhoys throughout this season’s European campaign. A very frustrating player when not on form though, it just depends on which Samaras turns up tomorrow night. Victor Wanyama Juventus fans you can know exactly what to expect of Celtic midfielder Wanyama by likening him to one of their own – for the combative Kenyan is essentially a mirror image of the Bianconeri’s Paul Pogba. Physically imposing for such a young man, a maturity that belies his 21 years when passing and in possession of the ball and a composed and imposing eye for goal when he gets into the right areas, he truly is Glasgow’s answer to Juve’s French starlet. He is now being chased by the likes of Manchester United among others due to his displays for the Bhoys not only in the SPL but, perhaps more impressively, in the Champions League throughout this season. He has a formidable partnership with Welshman Joe Ledley in the middle of Celtic’s likely four (although for this clash it could be a five) man midfield and those two will not shirk the potential battle against Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal for dominance in the centre of the field. It is unlikely that the Bhoys will be able to hang on to him for too much longer as his future surely lies at a higher level and he really will be one of the stars of European football in the years to come. Charlie Mulgrew A diehard Celtic fan and Lennon’s utility man, he can play all over the field and has done many times for the Hoops. Predominantly a left-back, he has been known to play in the middle of the park and as a winger but it is in the centre of the defence where he is most comfortable. The Scotland international will partner Kelvin Wilson at the heart of the Celtic defence surely as Efe Ambrose will likely not be risked after winning the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria on Sunday meaning Mulgrew should slot in there for this one. Released from the club as a youngster, he was bought back from Aberdeen in 2010 and has gone from strength to strength since. He was the club’s Player of the Year last year as he led from the back for the Bhoys as they won their first league title in four years. His real threat though comes at the other end of the field because his left-foot dead ball deliveries are among the best in Britain. A top assist record as a result of his exceptional free-kicks and corners, the 26-year-old is also a real threat from any free-kicks in and around the Juventus penalty area in much the same way Pirlo will be to Celtic. Likely Celtic starting line-up: Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Ledley, Wanyama, Forrest, Samaras, Hooper.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Five things Juventus must do to defeat Celtic Feb 11, 2013 The Italian champions Juventus return to Champions League duty this week with a very difficult task ahead of them if they are to reach the last 16 of the competition, as they face Scottish side Celtic. Celtic will be difficult opposition for the Bianconeri indeed as they defeated Barcelona in the group stages and were it not for conceding a goal at the Camp Nou with 20 seconds remaining, they would have topped the group ahead of the Catalan giants. However, that would have deprived fans of this exciting encounter that lies ahead but Juventus would do well to follow these five guidelines to securing victory in the cacophonous cauldron that Parkhead will become when the sides take to the field tomorrow night. After all, no Italian side has ever won against them in Scotland before and they have only beaten at home in the Champions League by three clubs since their arrival into the tournament – Barcelona, Arsenal and surprisingly, Dynamo Moscow. Do not become overawed by the atmosphere You may think that Juventus are highly-paid professional footballers and that this advice may matter little to them but just look at the top players and clubs who have arrived in Glasgow to face Celtic previously and came away disappointed. The support truly lifts the team to new heights and has a serious detrimental effect on the opposition. Only Andrea Pirlo has previously played here in the Champions League when with AC Milan and while the likes of himself and others such as Gigi Buffon who have played in Champions League and World Cup finals should not be effected too much, you would be surprised. Nemanja Vidic was pulled into challenges here that he may otherwise not have made which led to the winning goal and Javier Saviola and Thiago Motta, buoyed by atmosphere, both were sent off for Barcelona here in a key UEFA Cup clash that Celtic went on to win. Even the best can be affected. Keep it tight early Advancing on the atmosphere point, it is the Celtic players who always come out all energetic and full of fire and passion, determined to give the vociferous support something to really cheer about in the opening stages. They took first half leads against Barcelona and Spartak Moscow previously this season, showing how desperate they are to get the crowd onside. While the crowd always cheer on the Bhoys until the end when they need a goal, (just ask Palermo’s Massimo Donati for an example in what he calls the “greatest night of his career”) things do become noticeably more subdued and tense during the second half if their side have not yet scored and especially if the opposition are offering a real threat on the counter-attack. If Pirlo and Arturo Vidal can keep Juventus in possession and keeping the ball moving to teammates, it can draw Celtic players (especially fiery captain Scott Brown) into making reckless challenges they do not need to make in an attempt to appease the crowd. Not conceding first is crucial. Isolate Emilio Izaguirre The Honduran was Celtic’s player of the year two seasons ago but, after picking up a broken ankle on the opening day of last season, he has not looked the same player since returning and his positional sense at times in key moments of big European games has been a worry. He is also an injury doubt meaning that if he does start, then all the more reason to attempt to capitalise on his not being fully-fit while if he does not make the starting side then whoever takes his place, probably Mikael Lustig, is not a natural left-back and therefore susceptible to suffer badly at the hands of a marauding Stephan Lichtsteiner. Izaguirre also loves to get forward and can at times leave his defence very exposed, something that the Bianconeri will hope to take full advantage of on the counter-attack although they will have to be wary of his attacking as he does deliver a dangerous final ball. Defend deeper to cut out Celtic attack While Juventus’ central defensive trio do defend deeper than many sides, having them sit even deeper than usual in Glasgow would help to cut out a game plan that the hosts will surely attempt to implement. Leo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli are not the naturally quickest athletes in the world while Celtic attackers Georgios Samaras, James Forrest and Gary Hooper are very quick over short distances. Neil Lennon will likely be hoping to having Charlie Mulgrew playing dangerous balls behind the visiting defence in an attempt to utilise his teammates’ pace and have them racing behind the Bianconeri and on to such passes. By defending deeper, this will cut out one of the Celtic attack’s biggest advantages and allow Bonucci and Barzagli’s fine reading of the game to come to the fore instead of their lack of pace perhaps being exposed by defending higher. No foolish fouls or needless set-piece giveaways This is massive for Juventus because if they avoid conceding free-kicks in dangerous areas or even corner kicks that they did not have to give away, then they could be well on their way to victory. Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic are all capable of causing problems for Celtic (their displays away in Europe this season prove this) and can take their chances when they come so it is about stopping Celtic scoring any goals that they may have not had to work too hard for. The Bhoys scored nine goals in the group stages and four of these came from set-pieces, and the threat they have from Charlie Mulgrew’s dangerous dead balls is clearly prevalent. Victor Wanyama, Georgios Samaras, Joe Ledley and Kelvin Wilson are all serious aerial threats and Juventus simply cannot give these players any chances to try and punish them in the air.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Celtic vs. Juventus: Champions League Preview, Team News, Projected Lineups Feb 11, 2013 Juventus travel to Glasgow to tackle Scottish champions Celtic on Tuesday for the first leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League. The Bianconeri are strong favourites to progress to the quarterfinals, but there is no doubt that The Bhoys will not go down without a fight. Celtic have an 18-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League and therefore rested many of their star players over the weekend in preparation for this match. Juve are in no such position in Serie A, going into the weekend just three points ahead of Napoli and facing a tricky game against Fiorentina. The Viola had dominated the Bianconeri at the Artemio Franchi, so Antonio Conte was unable to rest any players, but a 2-0 victory—which maybe even flattered the visitors—was the perfect way to warm up for the Champions League. Celtic Team News Neil Lennon has a major concern (per STVSport) over whether Georgios Samaras will be fit and stated that the Greek international will be assessed on game day. Emilio Izaguirre trained with the squad today and is expected to shake off a knee injury in time to start tomorrow. Efe Ambrose will return from South Africa, where he enjoyed African Cup of Nations glory with Nigeria, but it is still undecided whether he will recover from Sunday's final and a long flight in time. According to the Daily Record's Mark Guidi, Lennon feels a starting spot for Ambrose is unlikely. Juventus Team News Conte will be without long-term absentees Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe (per Sport.co.uk). Paolo De Ceglie will also miss out after a scan revealed a tear in the semitendinosus muscle of his thigh (per the Daily Telegraph). Mauricio Isla has shaken off the flu and Leonardo Bonucci returns after serving a domestic suspension. Kwadwo Asamoah should be available for selection after his participation in the African Cup of Nations with Ghana and Mirko Vucinic—who was withdrawn prematurely against Fiorentina—should shake off a knock to start. Key Battle: Victor Wanyama Vs. Mirko Vucinic Vucinic was able to drop deep against Fiorentina and influence the play by linking midfield to attack, distributing to the onrushing De Ceglie and Stephan Lichtsteiner as well as looking for Alessandro Matri, who occupied the penalty area. Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio can also break from deep, so although Vucinic will start as a striker, he can quickly turn into the Bianconeri playmaker. Celtic need to stifle the Montenegrin. Wanyama will be tasked with pressing Vucinic and not giving him the time and space to hurt Celtic. Vucinic's clever movement and skill mean that he might still be able to shake off the tough-tackling Kenyan. Probable Lineups CELTIC: Fraser Forster, Adam Matthews, Mikael Lustig, Efe Ambrose, Emilio Izaguirre, Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama, Charlie Mulgrew, Giorgios Samaras, Gary Hooper, James Forrest. JUVENTUS: Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Martin Caceres, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mirko Vucinic, Alessandro Matri.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) How Celtic Can Beat Juventus in the Champions League Feb 11, 2013 Although Celtic managed to shock Barcelona at Celtic Park in the Champions League earlier this season, most expect Italian giants Juventus to sweep them aside in the Last 16. If Celtic are to spring another upset they will have utilise all the attributes they have at their disposal. One aspect of their success they can bank on is their tremendous home support who will pack out their Parkhead ground on Tuesday night. Celtic's home support will be in full voice and will unquestionably create at atmosphere the equal of anywhere in world football. But ultimately the match will be decided on the pitch and if Celtic are to succeed they will have to use the ball well when they have it. It's likely the Celts will have less than 40% of the ball, so they will have to make their possessions count. Charlie Mulgrew and Kris Commons, who are likely to start wide, will have to provide frontmen Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras with quality crosses for them to thrive off. They've also need to deliver top class set-pieces, something that worked well against Barcelona both home and away. Samaras is likely to star ahead Anthony Stokes, slotting in just behind Hooper who shall lead the line alone. Samaras' role is twofold. The Greek international must get up and support Hooper, as widemen Mulgrew and Commons are likely to be pegged back by Juve wing-backs Stephen Lichsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah. At the same time the former Manchester City player mustn't allow deep lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo time on the ball, as he's entirely capable of dictating the tempo of the game on his own. Behind Samaras will sit the experienced Scott Brown and the highly-rated Victor Wanyama. Those two are likely to play a holding role in front of the back four, guarding Celtic's defence against the forward runs of midfield pair Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. Another man who must have a good game is Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster. The former Newcastle United reserve has been in fine form this Champions League season and he is quickly establishing himself as Joe Hart's only competition for the England No. 1 jersey. If Celtic can do all of the above then there is no reason why the can't stop Juventus and claim another sensational Celtic Park victory.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Getting to Know Neil Lennon and Celtic Feb 11, 2013 This post was guest-blogged by Celtic fan Paul Fisher. Celtic have so far surpassed all expectations in this year's Champions League and will have to do something really special in order to overcome Juventus. The Italian champions have been touted as strong favourites for the tie and, even though it pains me to say it, rightly so. Neil Lennon's men will no doubt go into the fixtures thinking that they have a small chance of upsetting the odds, they did overcome Barcelona after all. This will depend on the way Celtic approach the fixture. Neil Lennon is entering unknown territory with his relatively inexperienced side and although they have started to gather a reputation as "bottlers" in the big games with a number of losses in semi-finals and finals under the former captain, I feel that Europe is a completely different world altogether. 

Celtic have reached the Last 16 of the competition on one previous occasion and this did not phase the Glasgow team in the slightest, back in 2007 they bowed out to an extra-time goal against AC Milan and Kaka, who would then go on to lift the coveted trophy. Now, six years later under the guidance of Lennon, the Glasgow side will again face Italian opposition. 

Fans of Celtic are highly optimistic ahead of the tie after the side picked up points on the road in the group stage for the first time, and they have yet to lose at Parkhead in the competition so far. The strategy that Lennon's men take will be imperative to any chance of qualification and after a transfer window where no key players made their way to the exit doors, it bodes well for the men in green and white. In Fraser Forster, Celtic have one of the most respected goalkeepers in this year's competition. He has put in stellar performances against some of the world's best players and came out relatively unscathed. He has been struggling recently with a neck injury, but he looks to be coming back to the fold and having "The Great Wall" fit will be a must if Celtic are to put up a fight against Juve. Now, defenders have been a weak point in recent seasons for Celtic but with the emergence of Adam Matthews and Mikel Lustig, Celtic will feel they are more than a match for anything Juventus have to throw at them. The problems come more in the centre with Kelvin Wilson, Efe Ambrose and defender come midfielder, Charlie Mulgrew the most likely options for a starting place at the heart of the defence. Wilson has been pretty shaky in recent fixtures without Ambrose at his side as he is currently on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. An unexpected defeat in the semi-finals of the League Cup saw an out of sorts Mulgrew taking a lot of the stick with a well below average showing and with Wilson barely scrapping pass marks this will be the area of the park that the Celtic supporters will most apprehensive about ahead of the knockout phase. In terms of midfield, Celtic have a number of strong players who have performed brilliantly in Europe so far this season. Leading from the front is club captain Scott Brown who was hampered by a hip injury throughout the group stage yet still turned out a few great if gritty performances and his inclusion and a performance will be crucial for the home side in the first leg. Another Welshman, Joe Ledley, is the silent assassin. He plays a crucial role in the midfield setup but goes about his job in a quiet and unassuming way and to underestimate him would be almost suicidal for Juventus as he is stellar in both defence and attack. James Forrest, Kris Commons, Beram Kayal and Victor Wanyama are the others who will most likely feature in some way. James Forrest is coming back from an injury and it seems like perfect timing for the hoops. Both Commons and Kayal have been vital for Celtic in the past couple of years and will be on Tuesday for the first leg. Victor Wanyama is, in my opinion, one of the best players to pull on a Celtic jersey. The Kenyan has the power, presence and ability of a seasoned professional. At just 21 years old, he has a long career ahead of him and I don't think that will be at Celtic much longer. He has the opportunity for the first time to show his worth in the knockout stage of the elite footballing competition in the world and I think he will show exactly why he is rated as highly as he is! Celtic's strike-force of Gary Hooper, Anthony Stokes, Georgios Samaras, Lassad Nouioui and Tony Watt have shown thus far why they deserve a starting place against Juventus and it will be interesting to see how Lennon goes up top. I personally think the Northern Irishman will start with Samaras and Hooper just in front of him. It has been a well-worked partnership so far this season and if they can get the balance right again, who's to say they can't pull off another shock. If Celtic are to have any chance of qualification they will have to get a result at home and keep things tight at the back. I am eternally optimistic that we can do something special and show the rest of Europe that we are not to be messed with. Either that or we'll be on the end of a resounding loss.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Lennon: Celtic ready for Juventus test After a famous victory over Barcelona in the group stages, the Northern Irishman is hoping his side can progress further in the competition and is confident of beating the Italians. Feb 11, 2013 Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes his side are more than capable of beating Juventus and progressing further in the Champions League. The Hoops host the Italian side at Celtic Park on Tuesday night and after their morale-boosting victory over Barcelona in the group stages, Lennon is confident that the his side have nothing to fear. "When I took on the job I didn't imagine a game like this, when you consider where we were and the progress that we have made," Lennon told The Guardian. "What I did think at the start of the season was that if we could get through the qualifiers we could make inroads in the Champions League with the players that we had. "We don't want to stop now at the last 16. We've got two titanic games against Juventus to look forward to and anything can happen over a two-game tie." Juventus could hand a start to new signing Nicolas Anelka, although Lennon says he isn't concentrating on the Frenchman, and the Italians' starting lineup is sure to be full of quality. "I think they're pretty top-heavy at centre-forward," he added. "I don't know how much football Anelka has played in the last few months, so whether he's been brought in for domestic football or this game, I don't know. "We had them watched against Fiorentina on Saturday but we know that whatever two strikers they use will be quality. They are pretty clinical in the final third so we'll have to be at our best." Celtic approach the game on Tuesday on the back of a 3-1 victory over Inverness and winger Kris Commons, who scored during Saturday's win, is hoping for a massive occasion. "It feels like it's been a long time coming, probably about two and a half months, so I just hope it doesn't pass us by," he said. "We have to take the opportunity by putting in the kind of performance that we know we are capable of at Celtic Park. "I don't think this is a tougher proposition than Barcelona," he continued. "We fancy ourselves over the two legs. We're quietly confident."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Celtic-Juventus Preview: Bhoys have won 21 of their last 23 Champions League home matches Neil Lennon's side welcome the current Serie A leaders to Glasgow on Tuesday night aiming to seal passage into the quarter-finals of Europe's premier cup competition. Feb 11, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS CELTIC Forster Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Izaguirre Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew Samara, Hooper, Forrest JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah Vucinic, Giovinco With Celtic currently enjoying an 18-point lead at the top of the SPL, Neil Lennon made a host of changes for the weekend win over Inverness in order to ensure fresh legs. However, question marks remain over a number of players. Emilio Izaguirre (knee) and Georgios Samaras (thigh) had previously been rated as 50/50 for the match, but with Lennon insisting their treatments would be as aggressive as possible, starts look highly plausible. Efe Ambrose will be available for selection, but his appearance in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations final win on Sunday means he looks set to take a place on the bench, with Kelvin Wilson already highlighted as a probable starter. Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has almost a full squad to pick from, with very few players missing for the trip to Scotland. Giorgio Chiellini (calf) is still a few days away from a return, while Paolo De Ceglie, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner (all thigh) will miss out too. On the positive side for Conte, Claudio Marchisio has recovered from the injury which had kept him out for a month, while Kwadwo Asamoah is back from Afcon duty with Ghana. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci's domestic suspension means he will be refreshed for Tuesday. DID YOU KNOW? • On each of the four previous occasions these sides have met, the home team has been victorious. • Twelve goals have been scored over the course of their last two meetings. • Celtic have never been further than this stage of the competition since it was rebranded as the Champions League. They are 19/5 to qualify for the next round with BetVictor. • From their previous 23 Champions League home matches, Celtic have only been beaten twice. Both of those defeats came against Barcelona. • Like Borussia Dortmund, Malaga and Schalke, Juventus are unbeaten so far in this season's competition. • The Italians conceded just four goals in the group stages. Only Paris Saint-Germain have a better record, having let in three goals. • The Serie A leaders scored four of their 12 group stage goals from the bench, more than any other side. • Gianluigi Buffon is the only player in either squad who played the last time the two sides met in 2001. Head to Head 16.09.1981 - Champion Clubs' Cup - Celtic Glasgow-Juventus 1-0 30.09.1981 - Champion Clubs' Cup - Juventus-Celtic Glasgow 2-0 18.09.2001 - Champions League - Juventus-Celtic Glasgow 3-2 31.10.2001 - Champions League - Celtic Glasgow-Juventus 4-3 Last Five Matches Celtic Dec 5, 2012 - Celtic 2 - Spartak 1 - UCL Nov 20, 2012 - Benfica 2 - Celtic 1 - UCL Nov 7, 2012 - Celtic 2 - FC Barcelona 1 - UCL Oct 23, 2012 - FC Barcelona 2 - Celtic 1 - UCL Oct 2, 2012 - Spartak 2 - Celtic 3 - UCL Juventus Feb 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 0 - Serie A Feb 3, 2013 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Jan 29, 2013 - Lazio 2 - Juventus 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 26, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Jan 22, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia Players to Watch Fraser Forster Goalkeeper Fraser Forster was absolutely essential to Celtic getting out of the group stage, performing heroics throughout, most notably in the home win over Barcelona. Out of all the keepers who made it through to the knockout phase, none made more saves than Forster, who got his body in the way of shots 25 times. One gets the impression he will be busy once again over the course of this two-legged affair. Arturo Vidal It would be easy to single out Andrea Pirlo as the Old Lady's key cog, but with Victor Wanyama likely to be snapping at the Italian's heels at every given opportunity he will need an accomplice. That's where Vidal comes in. The Chile international is an all-round midfielder who can pass, dribble and tackle, and those assets will be needed if the visitors are unable to maximise Pirlo's influence. Prediction Juventus will be at near enough at full strength for the trip to Glasgow, but Celtic's home record in the Champions League speaks for itself, therefore the Serie A side will not be in for an easy evening. A score draw looks a good bet. Editor's Prediction Celtic 1 - 1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Lennon expresses Celtic belief Feb 11, 2013 Neil Lennon warned doubters not to underestimate Celtic ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus at Parkhead. To the surprise of many pundits and fans, the Hoops emerged ahead of Benfica and Spartak Moscow to finish second in Group G behind star-studded Barcelona - whom they famously beat 2-1 at Celtic Park last November - and earn their place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in five seasons. The Serie A champions, though, are strong favourites to progress through to the quarter-finals but manager Lennon, while recognising the quality of the visitors, said: "I think we have been (underestimated) throughout the whole campaign and going into this game we are being made out to be massive underdogs but I don't quite see it that way myself. "There is a real belief, anything can happen over two games. "We go into the tie as underdogs but nothing is going to be decided at the end of 90 minutes tomorrow night, it is over two games and we are prepared to play hard football over 180 minutes. "They have excellent strikers - Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella, Sebastian Giovinco, and they have also brought in Nicolas Anelka. "But the one who has caught my eye is Alessandro Matri, he looks an excellent young player. "They are very strong in midfield. Arturo Vidal is playing very well currently, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, these are class players including Andrea Pirlo who is still one of the finest midfield players in the world. "So the team is blessed with fantastic footballers but we knew that before the tie or before any preparation were made. "But it would be dangerous to underestimate Celtic. "We have proved already this season that we can be a match for anyone." The former Hoops player, who described Juventus training at Rangers' Murray Park training complex this morning as "irrelevant", recognises the difference between the Italian giants and Barca. "They are two different cultures," he said. "Juventus are very strong defensively, very well-organised, very consistent in domestic football and they have been very impressive in their Champions League campaign. "We have done a lot of work on Juventus and I have seen them myself so we will have to change the way we played against Barcelona but that is only natural because Barcelona dominate possession like no other team." However, the Northern Irishman expects another momentous European night in the east end of Glasgow. When he was confirmed as Celtic boss in June 2010, after a spell as caretaker, Lennon said he wanted to "bring the thunder back to this stadium - I want to make it rock again." In a tweet earlier today, he said:"..think i can hear thunder in the distance" and he expanded upon that at the pre-match press conference. "This will be one of my best achievements, to bring these nights back to Celtic Park," he said. "It is the only show around, a European night at Celtic Park. "It will be a fantastic football arena, for me one of the best atmospheres in world football, never mind European football and it is for our supporters. "Obviously the players will play their part but to bring these nights back to the club is something that means a lot to me and anyone who has experienced a Champions League night here before will know what I am referring to. "Obviously we are up against a great team and great coach and it is very exciting for me to challenge myself against Antonio Conte. "I don't want to fill the players heads too much from a tactical point of view. "In terms of motivation, I don't think the players need any more from me. "For some of them, it is probably the biggest game of their young careers and we are hoping we can take the club further in the competition. "We've always known this has been looming on the horizon so it is almost here and I think we are ready." Lennon is sweating over the availability of two key players. Forward Georgios Samaras is battling to recover from a hamstring injury while stopper Efe Ambrose played for Nigeria in their 1-0 African Cup of Nations final win over Burkina Faso last night and will not be back in Glasgow until tomorrow morning. Left-back Emilio Izaguirre has recovered from a knee injury while winger James Forrest is fit again following a hamstring problem. The Hoops boss said: "It is as you were with Samaras, we will make a decision on him tomorrow. "Izaguirre trained today and has joined the squad and Forrest is fit and Ambrose, we expect to arrive tomorrow morning. "We will see what condition he is in and if he is okay, we will have him in the squad. "We will give Georgios as much time as he is needed. He has been doing pretty aggressive rehabilitation work and we are hopeful he will be okay. "If not, then I have a very strong squad and we will have him fit for the second leg."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Conte: We have respect for Celtic Feb 11, 2013 Antonio Conte insists Juventus have the utmost respect for Celtic as the two teams go head-to-head in the last-16 of the Champions League on Tuesday evening. As Celtic coach Neil Lennon warned the Italian champions of underestimating the challenge of the Hoops, Conte revealed he was under no illusions as to what awaits the Bianconeri. "We have followed Celtic's progress and we know that we must be careful," Conte told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "At home they will be very dangerous with their fans becoming the twelfth man on the field, but in any case they are a good team. "We have the utmost respect for Celtic and realise the danger they pose. We studied them a lot and know they will be a physical side who get most of their goals from set pieces. "Scott Brown is the heart and soul of the team and Gary Hooper is the kind of striker who could do very well in Italy. There are not many teams who could beat Barcelona at home and lose so narrowly away. Conte was flanked at the gathering by captain Gigi Buffon who played down the effect that the famous Parkhead atmosphere would have on his side. "I have played here before with Parma and Juventus," he added. "And it is a typical British atmosphere. "We know what lies ahead. The crowd can certainly help and give a boost to the players, but only up to a certain point. As far as I'm aware, no spectator has ever scored a goal."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Lennon: Don't underestimate Celtic Feb 11, 2013 Celtic manager Neil Lennon has insisted that his side have belief ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus. To the surprise of many pundits and fans, the Hoops emerged ahead of Benfica and Spartak Moscow to finish second in Group G behind star-studded Barcelona - whom they famously beat 2-1 at Celtic Park last November - and earn their place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in five seasons. The Hoops are underdogs with the Serie A champions strong favourites to progress through to the quarter-finals, but Lennon believes that Celtic are there on merit and should not be underestimated. "I think we have been (underestimated) throughout the whole campaign and going into this game we are being made out to be massive underdogs but I don't quite see it that way myself," Lennon said. "There is a real belief, anything can happen over two games. "We go into the tie as underdogs but nothing is going to be decided at the end of 90 minutes tomorrow night, it is over two games and we are prepared to play hard football over 180 minutes. "They have excellent strikers - Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella, Sebastian Giovinco, and they have also brought in Nicolas Anelka. But the one who has caught my eye is Alessandro Matri, he looks an excellent young player. "They are very strong in midfield. Arturo Vidal is playing very well currently, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, these are class players including Andrea Pirlo who is still one of the finest midfield players in the world. So the team is blessed with fantastic footballers but we knew that before the tie or before any preparation were made. "But it would be dangerous to underestimate Celtic. We have proved already this season that we can be a match for anyone." The former Hoops player, who described Juventus training at Rangers' Murray Park training complex on Monday as "irrelevant", also recognises the difference between the Italian giants and Barca. "They are two different cultures," he said. "Juventus are very strong defensively, very well-organised, very consistent in domestic football and they have been very impressive in their Champions League campaign. "We have done a lot of work on Juventus and I have seen them myself so we will have to change the way we played against Barcelona but that is only natural because Barcelona dominate possession like no other team."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Buffon hails Celtic's Forster Feb 11, 2013 Juventus face Celtic in the Champions League and Gigi Buffon is very impressed with goalkeeper Fraser Forster. “Of course I know about Fraser,” he told the Daily Record newspaper in Scotland. “I watch all the top young goalkeepers in the world and I’m sure he can become one of them. The top three young goalkeepers in the world for me are Joe Hart, Manuel Neuer and Salvatore Sirigu. It will be one of those three who will go on to be the best in the world. “But if Forster keeps on playing like he is there is no reason he can’t be close to or even in that group. “In a goalkeeper I don’t just look for the great saves but for the authority and confidence he shows. As a goalkeeper you can make only one or two mistakes a season if you want to be the best. “It’s in the big games where you see character because that is where you are most likely to make mistakes. I have seen both games he played against Barcelona now and not only did he make great saves, he looked confident. He didn’t look like a goalkeeper who was going to make a mistake.” Juventus visit Glasgow on February 12 and play the second leg in Turin on March 6. “Fraser is about to play in two big games in the last 16 of the Champions League and it is clear to me he has not only the talent but the character for games like this,” continued Buffon. “He has another two big games to show Europe what he can do and from what I have seen in him I am sure he will show Europe again.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) 'A typical British atmosphere awaits' Feb 11, 2013 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has hailed Parkhead's 'typical British atmosphere' as the Bianconeri prepare to play Celtic. The Turin giants face the Scottish Premier League side in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday evening. And the 35-year-old goalkeeper has admitted that the crowd could have some baring on the result. “I have played here before with Parma and Juventus,” he told a Press conference. “And it is a typical British atmosphere. “We know what lies ahead. The crowd can certainly help and give a boost to the players, but only up to a certain point. “As far as I'm aware, no spectator has ever scored a goal.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Conte: Celtic will be very dangerous Feb 11, 2013 Antonio Conte has insisted that he has the 'utmost respect' for Celtic as his Juventus team prepare to face the Scottish champions. The Bianconeri travel to Glasgow to play the Bhoys in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday evening. And the 43-year-old Coach has claimed that his side do not underestimate Neil Lennon's men. “We have followed Celtic's progress and we know that we must be careful,” he told a Press conference. “At home they will be very dangerous with their fans as a 12th man. “We have the utmost respect for Celtic and realise the danger they pose. “We studied them a lot and know they will be a physical side who get most of their goals from set pieces. “Scott Brown is the heart and soul of the team and Gary Hooper is the kind of striker who could do very well in Italy. “There are not many teams who could beat Barcelona at home and lose so narrowly away.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Brown: Pirlo 'one of the greats' Feb 11, 2013 Celtic captain Scott Brown has called Andrea Pirlo 'one of the greats' as the Scottish side prepare to face Juventus in the Champions League. Neil Lennon's men host the Bianconeri at Parkhead on Tuesday evening, and the 27-year-old has been full of praise for the Turin giants. “It is always going to be hard, no matter who you play against,” he told a Press conference. “Especially in the last 16. “Juventus will want to keep the ball, play nice possession football and counter-attack us. They will sit in and make it hard for us when we have the ball. “They have great players who are magic on the ball and can create something from nothing. “In my opinion, Andrea Pirlo is one of the greats. I've played against him before and he's fantastic, so we have to try and stop him playing. “He is one of the main threats and his ability on the ball is second to none.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Anelka: Celtic will be intense Feb 11, 2013 Juventus striker Nicolas Anelka has conceded that the atmosphere generated at Parkhead will be a determining factor in their clash against Celtic. The Bianconeri travel to Glasgow to play Neil Lennon's side tomorrow night in the last 16 of the competition. And the on-loan forward has insisted that it will be a difficult game for the Old Lady. “What Celtic have going for them is that there is no pressure” he told BBC Sport. “It will be a tough game in Glasgow. It is one of the most famous and intense football cities in the world.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) 'Juve a great team with a great Coach' Feb 11, 2013 Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted that his team will be up against it when they face Juventus tomorrow evening. The Scottish side host the Bianconeri at Parkhead on Tuesday in the last 16 of the Champions League. And the Bhoys boss has claimed that they will come up against a 'great team', as well as praising Alessandro Matri and Andrea Pirlo. “We're looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead from Juventus,” he told a Press conference. “They are well organised, very strong defensively and blessed with fantastic footballers. Matri especially has caught my eye recently. “Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba are all talented players, while Pirlo is still one of the finest midfielder in world football. “We are facing a great team with a great Coach and it's very exciting for me to challenge myself against Juventus and Antonio Conte. “Anything can happen over the two games. Nothing's decided tomorrow and we'll play with commitment over 180 minutes.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Nedved: Juve ready for Celtic Feb 11, 2013 Pavel Nedved is confident that his Juventus side are mature enough to handle the pressure at Celtic on Tuesday. “I’m fully aware of the atmosphere that awaits us in Glasgow because I've experienced it first hand,” he told the Evening Times ahead of the last 16 Champions League clash. “We'll be stepping into a lion’s den and I don't think the team will need geeing up. We'll have to tough it out, but we have shown that we're ready.” Nedved, now a director at the club, was part of a Juve side who lost 4-3 to the Scottish giants at Celtic Park in 2001. Italian champions Juventus will go into tomorrow's tie in form after comfortably disposing of Fiorentina 2-0 on Saturday. “In January we had a slight dip in form, but you can't be at the top of your game over the course of a whole season,” Nedved added. “Now we're in form and ready for Europe.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) ‘Juve can train in my garden…’ Feb 11, 2013 Celtic midfielder Kris Commons has mocked Juventus for turning to city rivals Rangers on the eve of their Champions League tie. The Old Lady will use Rangers’ training facilities this week ahead of Tuesday night’s last 16 first leg tie. “Juventus can train in my back garden, it would make no difference,” the former Nottingham Forest and Derby County player noted. “If they want to prepare at a Division Three training ground then let them get on with it.” Rangers, Celtic’s Old Firm enemies, were thrown out of the Scottish top-flight during the summer after their financial collapse.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Wanyama hoping Celtic can recreate Barcelona heroics against Juventus The Kenyan star insists that the Scottish giants must seize the opportunity of playing at Celtic Park in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League tie, and produce a win. Feb 11, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Dennis Mabuka Victor Wanyama has urged his Celtic team-mates to emulate the spirit shown during their defeat of Barcelona earlier this season when they take on Juventus on Tuesday night. The Kenyan midfielder is likely to feature in the Bhoys' starting line-up when they welcome the reigning Serie A champions to Parkhead in the last 16 of the Champions League. And he believes Neil Lennon's men must show the form which has seen them remain unbeaten at home in Europe's premier cup competition this term. “We started this journey after negotiating two ties to reach the group stages," he told Goal.com. "We are now in the knockout stage having prevailed from a very tough group that comprised strong teams - Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow. The journey is still on. We are not looking at just Juventus, but are looking at going all the way and maybe lifting the big prize. "What is at stake is the big prize and that is why playing Juventus will be an amazing match. We were rated the underdogs and went on to shock Barcelona. On paper, I still believe that we are underdogs going into Tuesday’s match against Juventus but this status will definitely keep us motivated. “We have to seize this opportunity and put up a winning performance. It will be a wonderful atmosphere playing in front of our own fans. We saw that against Barcelona and that support gave us a boost.” Wanyama also underlined the importance of attempting to carve out a sizeable lead whilst presented with home advantage in order to make the return trip to Turin less difficult. “We love playing with that type of atmosphere and that should spur us on once again because beating Juve convincingly at home will give Celtic big hopes going into the return leg next month,” he continued. “Our target is to make sure that we take a lead or remain in contention going to Italy. Juventus are a good side who will not come and sit and wait for Celtic to attack. They [Juventus] have featured in this competition on several occasion and understand the benefits of playing at such a level. We will have to multi-task, attack and defend at the same time. The Glasgow giants are still unbeaten at home in Europe this season, having seen off the likes of Benefica, Spartak Moscow and the mighty Barcelona at Celtic Park in their best European run since 2008.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Celtic-Juventus Betting Preview: Hoops capable of keeping things tight on Tuesday Neil Lennon's men face a stern test when they welcome the Italian champions to Glasgow but Willie Duncan believes that the Hoops can make life difficult for Antonio Conte's side. Feb 11, 2013 Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League table to 18 points at the weekend when they defeated nearest rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle but the Hoops will face a far stiffer test when they welcome Italian champions Juventus to Celtic Park on Tuesday night in the last 16 of the Champions League. Neil Lennon’s men boast a formidable home record in European competition and, having already beaten Barcelona in this competition back in November, the Hoops will be hoping for another memorable European night in Glasgow. Celtic are rated as 7/2 (4.50) shots with Paddy Power to take a first leg lead to Turin by defeating the Serie A league leaders on Tuesday night. Juventus, though, will travel to Celtic Park with confidence after enjoying a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fiorentina at the weekend and Antonio Conte’s side are rated as Paddy Power’s 5/6 (1.83) favourites to win here while the same firm go 5/2 (3.50) that the first leg ends in stalemate. Celtic managed to retain the services of top scorer Gary Hooper despite strong interest from Norwich City during the January transfer window and the striker is likely to be pivotal if the Hoops are to take a positive result into next month’s return leg. Hooper, who has scored an impressive 23 goals in all competitions this term, is available at 13/2 (7.50) with Paddy Power to break the deadlock on Tuesday, while the same firm offer a tempting 23/10 (3.30) that the striker scores at any time. Juventus, though, should have sufficient firepower to trouble the Celtic defence, having scored in each of their last 15 matches in all competitions and striker Alessandro Matri, who has scored five goals in his last nine matches, is available at an appealing 9/2 (5.50) with Paddy Power to score the opening goal. It should be noted that as well as the famous victory over Barcelona, the Hoops defeated Spartak Moscow and held Benfica in Glasgow in the group stages of this competition and, so, they should not be written off here. Celtic look good value at 10/11 (1.91) with Paddy Power (+1) in the handicap market which covers both a home win or a stalemate between the two sides and provides a modest return on investment. For those in search of a bigger price at odds-against, Neil Lennon’s men can be trusted to secure a draw against the Italian giants at Paddy Power’s tasty 5/2 (3.50) quote in Tuesday’s crunch clash.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Pirlo: Juventus are ready for Celtic The experienced playmaker is eagerly anticipating Tuesday's away game and has little doubt that Juve will be up for the challenge. Feb 11, 2013 Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus have what it takes to see off Celtic in their Champions League round of 16 tie. The Scottish giants surprisingly beat Barcelona at home earlier this season, but Pirlo has stressed that Juve will not make the same mistakes the Catalans made as he believes the Bianconeri will be ready for anything Celtic thrown at them. "We are ready for anything. We have seen how Celtic beat Barcelona, but maybe we are better prepared than the Catalans on how to adapt to the circumstances," Pirlo told Tuttosport. "They play some fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them with their approach. Whatever they will try, Juventus will be ready for it, though. "If they want to play football, we'll respond by playing football. If they want to fight, we will be ready to go to battle." Tuesday's first leg at Parkhead kicks off at 20:45CET.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CELTIC - JUVENTUS Celtic Park - Glasgow Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain) Lippi: Juventus not Champions League favourites The Guangzhou Evergrande coach has not ruled out the Bianconeri for Champions League glory, but believes they will have to overcome a number of better teams. Feb 11, 2013 Marcello Lippi has voiced his opinion that Juventus are not among the favourites to win the Champions League as he feels Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all in better shape to secure the trophy. The Serie A champions finished ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, Chelsea and Nordsjaelland in Group E to book their tickets for the knockout stages, but Lippi believes they still have work to do if they are to win the competition for the first time since 1996. "For me, there are four clubs left in the draw who are a few rungs above everyone else: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich," Lippi told Daily Record. "These teams are the favourites but there’s no doubt Juventus have quality and will be aiming to challenge. "Juventus are a strong side and I know they are very motivated to get through the tie and make progress in this competition. The Champions League has always been a very important tournament for the club and they’re determined to go as far as they can this year." Juventus lock horns with Celtic in the round of 16, with the first leg of the tie scheduled to take place at Parkhead on Tuesday evening.