Porto vs FC Barcelona: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Xavi’s side will face a tricky opponent in the face of Porto in the Champions League clash.

Barcelona will be looking to gain three more points to move to the six points in Group H when they head to play Porto at  Estádio do Dragão Stadium on Wednesday night. The Spanish giant entered the Champions League clash with a 1-0 win over Sevilla in LaLiga, thanks to an own goal from former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. Barcelona are still unbeaten in all competitions in this Campaign. The Catalan side won their opening game of the Champions League campaign by 5-0 difference over Antwerp which helped them to top Group H.

On the other hand, Porto also kicked off their Champions League campaign by winning against Shakhtar Donetsk. However, they face a much stronger task against Barca, who are seen as the main favorites to top the Group H. Also Porto are coming from a 1-0 loss against Benfica in Primeira Liga, their players are low on spirit. Though considering their performance on matchday one, they are looking for a long run in this campaign. They are currently in third position in Primeira Liga with 16 points. Furthermore, Porto are one of the only two Portuguese teams to have won the Champions League trophy.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 5 October 2023 at 8:00 PM BST

(12:30 AM IST)

Location: Estádio do Dragão, Porto.

Form

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

Porto (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-W-L

Players to watch out

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

The Polish international is one of the most prolific strikers in the world and will be Barcelona’s biggest threat in attack. He has scored a total 6 goals this season for the team and will be looking to leave an impact on the pitch against Porto. He is also the leading goal scorer for Barcelona in La Liga

Galeno (Porto)

Galeno has been one of the most consistent performers for Porto and has played a key role in their success. The Brazilian star who can play on either wing or as a central striker. He is quick, skilful and always eyeing for goal. Also a good dribbler and passer who creates lots of chances for his teammates. He has also been in good form in the Primeira Liga for Porto.

Match facts:

• Porto have a 11-game unbeaten run at home.
• Barcelona started their Champions League campaign with a thumping win of 5-0 over Antwerp.
• Barcelona have only two wins in the last seven Champions League away games.

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Injury & Team news

Brazilian winger Raphinha will be out for a month because of a hamstring injury. Midfield duo Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will also miss the clash. Lamine Yamal, who signed his new contract until 2026, will get the call to start alongside Lewandowski and Felix. Oriol Romeu and Ronald Araujo could also return to the starting line-up.

Porto, meanwhile, will be without the services of Evanilson, Gabriel Veron, and Zaidu Sanusi which increases the concern for Conceicao. Also former Madrid defender Pepe is a major doubt for Wednesday’s clash. Galeno, who contributed to all three of his side’s goals against Shakhtar, will start for them.

Head to Head

Total matches – 5

Barcelona – 4

Porto– 1

Draws – 0

Predicted lineup for Porto vs Barcelona:

Barcelona predicted lineup:

Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Araujo, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix

Porto predicted lineup:

Costa; Mario, Cardoso, Carmo, Wendell; Eustaquio, Varela; Franco, Jaime, Galeno; Taremi

Match prediction

Barcelona has had trouble playing well in away matches recently, and Porto has a stellar home record which makes the clash trickier than it looks. Also, after losing to Benfica in a league match, a win against Barcelona would be helpful in lifting the morale of Porto players.

However, Xavi’s Barcelona team is confident and full of quality attackers which makes them favorites to come out on top in this challenging clash against Porto.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Porto

Telecast

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS Sports

Nigeria – Supersport

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