Champions League: Messi to start new era with a goalTito Vilanova will make his Champions League debut as Barcelona manager at the Camp Nou hoping he can build on the fabled achievements of predecessor Pep Guardiola in Europe's top competition.
Under their former boss, Barca managed to reach at least the semis in each of his four seasons at the helm, winning it twice - adding to the 2005/06 title claimed by Frank Rijkaard and the 1991/92 crown claimed by their original Dream Team.
Expectedly, much has been made of what sort of Barcelona team will emerge from Guardiola's ashes but the early indications are that his former number two is very much moulded in the Barca style of recent seasons.
Changes to personnel have been subtle, with the addition of Spain's vigorous left back Jordi Alba and Arsenal's Alex Song, while all the usual suspects remain.
David Villa's return to fitness after missing virtually the entirety of last season with a broken leg is also a massive boost for the campaign.
Opponents Spartak Moscow have appointed their own Spanish manager in the shape of former Valencia boss Unai Emery, and will be hoping he can achieve something he never did in his four years in charge at the Mestalla by beating Barcelona.
It's an unenviable task to say the least as Barcelona have already garnered a maximum 12 points from their opening four games in La Liga and as Opta inform us, are unbeaten in their last 16 Champions League home games, achieving 13 wins and three draws.
First Goalscorer
It's difficult to look past the twinkling toes of Barca's number ten for the source of a goal.
Opta note that Lionel Messi has been the outright top scorer in each of the last four editions of the Champions League and has now netted 51 goals overall, only surpassed by only Raul(71) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (56).
Both teams to score
Barcelona have scored in each of their last 30 Champions League home group stage games and to think they were not going to register here borders on madness.
For all Barca's attacking flair, there is still a certain vulnerability to their game though, highlighted by the fact they have only kept one clean sheet in six games so far this season.
Best Bet:
Back Messi to score first @ ]2.94Other Recommended Bet:
Back both teams to score @ 2.60(Source: Betfair)
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