Champions League Group E: Barca battle Bayer without injured Messi

Despite the talents of Messi missing from the Barca set-up, Bayer midfielder Christoph Kramer believes his side cannot afford to overlook the other attacking stars still on show at the Nou Camp, with the visitors 7/1 to cause an upset.

“Of course any team would miss Messi, but Barcelona still have a world-class team without him,” declared the Germany international. “It’s a game that we should look forward to. The team worked hard for a whole season [to play] this kind of match. We should enjoy the game and have fun.

“In football, anything is possible and we can definitely get something in Barcelona. We have to go into the game with confidence and be fully focused.”

Reported Manchester United target and set-piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu has once again proved his worth in the Bayer set-up this season, with four goals this term, including a double in the previous Champions League win over BATE Borisov. The Turkey international is 6/1 to net anytime again in Spain.

Javier Hernandez tasted a Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barca during his Red Devils days and the Mexican marksman is 10/1 to open proceedings this time out, while Luis Suarez is 5/2 for a brace or more, as he prepares to lead the line in Messi’s absence.

Barca are aiming to become the first ever team to retain the Champions League trophy and the next step is overcoming Leverkusen, a team which their boss Enrique actually netted against in both home and away clashes during the 2000/01 group stages. The Spaniard will hope his forwards can be as deadly as he was during that time on home soil.

Betting tip: Barcelona to win both halves @ 11/5