Xavi - We will beat Celtic

Barca midfielder makes confident prediction

Last updated: 13th February 2008

Xavi - We will beat Celtic

Xavi: Confident prediction

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Celtic's UEFA Champions League opponents Barcelona expect to reach the final of the competition, according to Xavi.

This is the confident prediction made by the Barca midfielder ahead of his side's last 16 clash with the Scottish champions.

The mouth-watering tie will see the Spanish giants visit Parkhead next Wednesday, before the return match takes place at Camp Nou on 4th March.

Confident Xavi believes Barcelona have enough to go all the way to the 21st May final in Moscow, although they look set to miss out on their domestic league title, where they are currently languishing behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Making his prediction, Xavi told Barca TV: "We know that it is difficult for us in the league. There is a big gap of eight points, but we will not throw in the towel.

Expect

"As for the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, we expect to reach the finals."

But Xavi believes 17-year-old forward Bojan Krkic, who is likely be involved against Celtic, should be given time to mature.

The teenager has featured in five of Barca's six Champions League games so far but has yet to find the net.

Speaking of his young colleague, Xavi stressed: "Everyone has said that he can make history. We should be very careful and remember that he is still young.

"He has a lot of talent, but we have to leave him to work calmly and then he will come good."