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

The Catalan giants travel to Germany to face Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk

This week has been good so far for Shakhtar Donetsk. On Monday, a 3-0 win over Ukraine's second-tier side FC Viktoriya Sumy gives them entry to the semi-finals of the Ukrainian Cup. Also, Oleksandr Zubkov's strike helped them edge 1-0 in the Klasychne derby. Klasychne derby is the top Ukrainian football club rivalry between Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Now though FC Barcelona challenge awaits for the second time this season in Germany's Volksparkstadion. The last time both sides met on matchday 3 of this year's UEFA Champions League group stage game, the Blaugranas did a 2-1 over the Miners. With Hamburger SV's Volksparkstadion serving as a home for Shakhtar Donetsk's 2023-24 UCL fixtures, it will be a special night as they host the Catalan giant far from their own homeland.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 7 November 2023 at 5:45 PM UK (11:15 PM IST)

Location: Volksparkstadion

Form

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

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

Players to Watch

Oleksandr Zubkov (Shakhtar Donetsk)

In this week's crucial wins over FC Viktoriya Sumy and Dynamo Kyiv, Shakhtar Donetsk's Oleksandr Zubkov contributed with goals. After scoring a goal in each of these important fixtures, confidence will be not a question. Zubkov is expected to control the right attacking midfielder position in a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed by fairly new coach Marino Pusic.

Fermín López (Barcelona)

The 20-year-old will have a fond memory when playing Shakhtar Donetsk. Last time, Fermín López scored from the edge of the box. It was a belter of a shot struck by López that found the right inner post only to cross the opposition's goal line. The summer signing has scored once and provided an assist in 3 UCL appearances.

Match Facts

• Shakhtar Donetsk play their 2023-24 UCL home games in Germany's Volksparkstadion due to safety concerns back home and is placed third in Group H
• Barcelona leads Group H with 3 games played and 3 wins
• The Blaugranas have conceded just once in 3 matchdays while the Miners have conceded 7 goals by now

Injury & Team News

The Croatian manager whose first game in charge was to test his side against FC Barcelona seems to be doing well. Marino Pusic has no injury concerns as they are about to face Barca once again for the reverse fixture. No suspensions either to be worried about for matchday 4 in UCL.

The last time Barcelona played in UCL against Shakhtar, they were without a few key players. Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Sergi Roberto were sidelined with injuries. Gavi was unavailable due to suspension. This time only Roberto and de Jong will remain out with injuries as the rest are back. Even Pedri could return to the starting lineup after getting minutes against Real Sociedad.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 7

Shakhtar Donetsk wins – 2

Barcelona wins – 5

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Riznyk (GK); Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarovi; Bondarenko, Stepanenko; Zubkov, Sudakov, Kryskiv; Sikan

Barcelona predicted lineup (3-4-1-2):

ter Stegen (GK); Araujo, Kounde, Martinez; Cancelo, Gavi, Gundogan, Balde; Lopez; Lewandowski, Felix

Match Prediction for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona

In UCL matchday 3, Shakhtar Donetsk were up to the task with new manager Marino Pusic versus Barcelona. Although the LaLiga giants from Catalonia, Spain, managed a 2-1 win, the Miners really brought their 'A' game. Barca will be in a better structure this time around as many absentees from the last meeting have rejoined the squad. Predicting a close-call match with Barca taking away a win.

Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Barcelona

Telecast for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona

India – Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS, TUDN

Nigeria – Supersport

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