Barcelona’s bid to win the Champions League for a sixth time and their first since 2015 will continue when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in the third match of the 2023/24 season.
The Catalan giants lost 1-0 to Athletic Club on Sunday thanks to Marc Jiu’s late winner, with manager Xavi suffering a number of key injuries as he chases success on the domestic and European fronts.
Can Xavi once again tap into the talent pool at La Masia to get his side out of a tough spot?
This is an aspect the manager can take on Wednesday.
Barcelona predicted their formation against Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3).
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Has kept three clean sheets in his last four games for the club.
The only blemish on his record was Brian Zaragoza scoring two tries in the 2-2 draw with Granada.
RB: Joao Cancelo – The youngster told Gueye he should give the rest of his team a McDonald’s meal after they won on Sunday.
CB: Ronald Araujo – He could start ahead of Inigo Martinez if Xavi deems him fit enough.
CB: Andreas Christensen – Withdrew after an hour of action on Sunday but should make his second Champions League start of the season.
LB: Alejandro Balde – ruled out of international action with injury to face Athletic and continues to look for a long-term successor to Jordi Alba.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – will be looking for his first goal at Barcelona after being a constant threat from midfield during his Manchester City career.
CM: Oriol Romeu was substituted against Athletic but is expected to keep his place as there are not enough players to replace Xavi.
CM: Fermin Lopez came into the attack and stood in for Guiu until the 17-year-old scored Barca’s winning goal on Sunday.
Gavi is in midfield, Frenkie de Jong remains restless and Pedri is at peak fitness.
RW: Lamin Yamal – Was benched last time out, but Yamal should start from the start.
Here, the scorer could break the record of the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League.
ST: Ferran Torres is at the heart of Barcelona’s attack alongside Robert Lewandowski.
Torres, 23, has scored 10 goals in 23 Champions League games.
Valencia 2, Man City 4, Barca 4.
LW: Joao Felix – Sunday’s assist winner and Barca will once again be hoping for a big contribution from the Portugal international.
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