With lots of injuries to key players, Xavi and his coaching staff would have to draft out some sort of formula like they did at the weekend against Athletic Club. However with the likes of an in-form Joao Felix fit and ready to go, Xavi will look to the Portuguese star to conjure up some of his magic to ensure Barça all three points in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk who seem to be in a state of imbalance have appointed Darijo Srna as their caretaker following the dismissal of their former manager Patrick Van Leeuwen. With reports from Fabrizio Romano revealing that an agreement between Feyenoord assistant coach Marino Pusic and Shakhtar has been reached for him to takeover as the new manager of the club. It remains to be seen who will be at the helm for Shakhtar going into Wednesdayʼs match.
However, a win will not come easy for Barça as Shakhtar secured victory in their last match against Royal Antwerp to keep their dreams of qualification alive. Having won all of their matches leading up to match day 3, FC Barcelona are top of the group while shakhtar sit in third position. A match which is expected to be fiercely contested between both sides would mean the Catalan giant would need to be at their best to retain all three points. La Masia will once again look to grab the headlines, following the evaporation of Barçaʼs squad depth in the middle of the park and the unfortunate suspension of Pablo Gavi. Certain youth players would be happy to grasp the opportunity when presented in the likes of Unai Hernandez, Marc Casado and the winner at the weekend Marc Guiu. FC Barcelona is expected to go with the starting lineup of ; Ter stegen, Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Gundogan, Oriol Romeu, Fermin Lopez, Lamine,Ferran, Joao Felix.
With all three points secured Barca would be in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions league after failing to do so in their last two campaigns.
We at MB expect Barça to win by 2-0, thereby making qualification into the knockout stages almost certain.
