Henrik Larsson and Barcelona have been conducting an on-off courtship for some months now but the Catalan club must hope Celtic's principal striker turns coy in the face of their defence next week.
Barcelona travel to Glasgow to meet last year's beaten finalists in the first leg of their fourth-round tie aware that Martin O'Neill's side not only boast a goal poacher par excellence in Larsson but are undefeated at home in 17 European games.
While Barcelona's vulnerability revolves around a sometimes diffident defence, the Celtic fear is that Chris Sutton may not be around to impose his physicality on the first leg.
Although John Hartson, sidelined until at least the end of the season, is more prolific, Sutton has proved Larsson's optimal partner and will receive intense treatment on his damaged ankle in the hope of participating next Thursday.
With Barcelona looking increasingly impressive in La Liga, O'Neill, anxious to show off his managerial prowess among the elite, said: "It's a tough draw and one we will probably be second favourites for, but we knew we were going to draw somebody big because we were not seeded."
Liverpool were paired with Marseille, presently sixth in the French League, who appear eminently beatable. In Fabien Barthez (on loan from Manchester United), Steve Marlet (borrowed from Fulham), Sebastian Perez (former Blackburn) and David Sommeil (loaned by Manchester City) they include known former Premiership commodities who will visit Anfield in the first leg.
Sami Hyypia, Gerard Houllier's centre half, believes Liverpool can use the UEFA Cup as a means of redeeming a hitherto under-achieving campaign.
"We are strong enough to go all the way, we are a stronger team than we have shown this season," he insisted. "I believe we are good enough to win this cup and we are now intent on doing all we can to put this season right.
"No one can be happy with the way it has gone and the boss has taken a lot of unfair stick. But a UEFA Cup success can change the course of things."
Should both Liverpool and Newcastle prevail in the next two rounds they will meet in the semi-finals but first Newcastle host Real Mallorca and Bobby Robson was relieved to have dodged the heavy-weights.
"It's a satisfying draw," admitted Newcastle's manager. "We have missed the really big guns in Barcelona and Valencia but, having worked in Spain for two years, I know how tough and competitive their league is."
Alan Shearer, though, is looking further down the line.
"Our aim is to win this competition," said Newcastle's captain. "Celtic got to the final last year, so why can't we?"
UEFA Cup Draw
FOURTH ROUND
Celtic v Barcelona
Genclerbirligi v Valencia
Bordeaux v Club Brugge
Newcastle v Mallorca
Auxerre v PSV
Liverpool v Marseille
Villarreal v Roma
Ties to be played 11th & 25th March.
Quarter-final draw: Bordeaux/Club Brugge v Genclerbirligi/Valencia; Liverpool/Marseille v Inter Milan/Benfica; Celtic/Barcelona v Villarreal/Roma; Auxerre/PSV v Newcastle/Mallorca. Ties to be played 8th & 14th April.
Semi-final draw: Auxerre/PSV/
Newcastle/Mallorca v Liverpool/Marseille/Inter Milan/Benfica; Celtic/Barcelona/Villarreal/Roma v
Bordeaux/Club Brugge/Genclerbirligi/
Valencia. Ties to be played 22nd April & 6th May end.
Guardian Service
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