Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

LaLiga powerhouse will battle Ukrainian challengers in a crucial Champions League group stage clash

As the UEFA Champions League group stage intensifies, Barcelona prepares to host Shakhtar Donetsk in a crucial Group H encounter. The historic Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona will serve as the battleground for this clash.

Barcelona are eager to reignite their European dominance after a period of relative underperformance for the past few years. Barcelona is determined to make a statement in this season's Champions League, as the Spanish club has won both the group stage matches so far and have collected all the possible six points.

On the other hand, Shakhtar Donetsk, the reigning Ukrainian Premier League champions, are no strangers to upsetting European heavyweights. They have started the campaign with one win and one loss in the first two matches, with a win against Barcelona in this match they will tie with them on points.

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 5:45 PM BST (10:15 PM IST)

Location: Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium

Form

Barcelona (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-D-W

Shakhtar Donetsk (in all competitions): D-W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch out

Joao Felix (Barcelona):

In Lewandowski's absence a lot will matter on the Portuguese in terms of scoring goals in this match. The summer loanee has been exceptional for Barcelona so far this season, he has played two games in the Champions League this season and already has three goal involvements - two goals and one assist. Felix is a versatile attacker who can play as a striker, second striker, or a winger.

Danylo Sikan (Shakhtar Donetsk):

The 22-year-old Ukrainian forward has been the man for Shakhtar this season, he has contributed in both the Ukrainian Premier League and Champions League. The four goals that they have scored in the Champions League this season, two of them have been scored by the youngster. Sikan has been a regular starter for Shakhtar Donetsk, and he has played a key role in the team's early-season success.

Match facts:

• Barcelona have not lost any of their last 12 matches.
• Shakhtar are unbeaten in seven away games so far, Barcelona have won 8 of their past 10 home matches.
• Barcelona have kept 5 clean sheets in their past 10 home matches.

Injury & team news for Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Barcelona's list of absentees has continued to grow, with Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto joining Raphina, and Frenkie de Jong. Gavi, who was sent off against Porto last time out, is suspended here.

Pedri after missing games might get some crucial playing time before their biggest clash against Real Madrid the following weekend. The team from Ukraine will be without any injury concerns for their trip to Catalonia.

Head to Head

Total matches – 6

Barcelona wins – 4

Shakhtar Donetsk wins – 2

Draws – 0

Predicted lineup for Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk:

Barcelona predicted lineup:

Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Araujo, Cancelo; Lopez, Romeu, Gundogan; Felix, Torres, Yamal

Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup:

Riznyk; Topalov, Rakitskyi, Bondar, Konoplya; Stepanenko; Newerton, Kryskiv, Bondarenko, Zubkov; Sikan

Match prediction for Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk:

The match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle as Barcelona's possession-based approach meets Shakhtar Donetsk's counter-attacking abilities. Both teams possess attacking threats capable of unlocking defenses, making for a potentially high-scoring affair. The hosts have won both of their Champions League group games so far without conceding a goal, the visitors will no doubt be facing a different kind of test against Barcelona.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk

Telecast

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS Sports

Nigeria – Supersport

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