Barcelona and Porto are set to face off in a highly anticipated Champions League clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Both teams are currently tied on nine points in Group H, with Barcelona leading the group on goal difference. Shakhtar Donetsk is not far behind, making this group one to watch.
Preview:
Barcelona missed an opportunity to secure their spot in the knockout stage in their previous match against Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian side emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, putting pressure on the La Liga champions.
While Barcelona still holds the top spot, they cannot afford to be complacent as Porto is breathing down their necks.
A win in this match would guarantee Barcelona a place in the last-16 stage of the competition.
Barcelona’s recent form has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last five matches across all competitions.
Additionally, manager Xavi is yet to lead the team into the knockout round of the Champions League, adding to the pressure on the Catalan side.
Porto, on the other hand, has been in impressive form in Group H, winning three out of four matches.
Their nine points have secured them second place so far.
A victory against Barcelona would send them through to the knockout stage, provided Shakhtar fails to win or draw against Royal Antwerp in their concurrent match.
Although Porto suffered a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona earlier in the group stages, they have since recorded victories against Antwerp and Shakhtar.
The Portuguese giants will enter this match on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions.
Team News:
Barcelona might be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as he continues to recover from a back issue. Inaki Pena is likely to deputize in goal.
Youngster Gavi is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee injury, but Sergi Roberto could make his return from a calf problem.
Manager Xavi is expected to make several changes to the starting lineup, including the inclusion of Joao Felix, Ilkay Gundogan, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha.
Porto will be missing Samuel Portugal, Ivan Marcano, Gabriel Veron, and Ivan Jaime due to injuries. Wendell is a doubt with a muscular problem and is likely to feature on the bench at best.
Manager Sergio Conceicao will make changes to the team that played against Montalegre, with David Carmo, Pepe Aquino, Mehdi Taremi, and Diogo Costa set to return.
Evanilson, who has been in fine form with nine goals this season, will spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineups:
Barcelona:(4-3-3)
Pena;
Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde;
Gundogan, De Jong, Pedri;
Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
Porto:(4-4-2)
Costa;
Mario, Pepe, Carmo, Sanusi;
Galeno, Varela, Eustaquio, Aquino;
Evanilson, Taremi
Prediction:
Considering Barcelona’s recent underwhelming performances, it’s difficult to back them against a talented Porto side.
A draw would not be enough for Barcelona to secure their place in the next stage, but Porto possesses enough quality to secure a share of the spoils.
- Our prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Porto