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

Whoever gains 3 points will confirm their next round qualification

FC Barcelona were left with a disappointing draw on their trip to Rayo Vallecano in a LaLiga clash. Head coach Xavi in a post-match press conference even left out a plea for his team "If we want to win trophies this season, we have to change our mentality." Now they will host a UEFA Champions League game as opponents FC Porto will want to avoid getting beaten twice.

Porto lost 1-0 to the Blaugrana at the Estádio do Dragão venue on matchday 2 of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League. Both sides are now comfortably on 9 points to set up this top-of-the-table clash from Group H. A win for any side will certainly come as an aid in confirming their further round qualification status.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 at 8:00 PM UK

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at 1:30 AM IST

Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Form

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

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

Players to Watch

Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)

One Barcelona player who came on from the bench in Rayo Vallecano's draw was İlkay Gündoğan. Gündoğan replaced Oriol Romeu in the 55' minute mark. The former Man City midfielder will be a crucial player in Xavi's plan for this Champions League game. Gündoğan has played every minute of the 4 UCL group games producing 2 assists.

Evanilson (Porto)

FC Porto's Brazilian centre-forward has so far made 3 UCL appearances. One as a starter and two as substitutes. Evanilson gracefully produced 4 goals even in such uncertain and concise minutes. Porto manager Sérgio Conceição used the 24-year-old forward as a substitute last time against Barcelona. This time he could be using him from the start after the player scored a brace in Taça de Portugal's fourth round against C.D.C. Montalegre.

Match Facts

• In their last two meetings, FC Barcelona won both fixtures and that too with clean sheets
• FC Porto should be confident upon their Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys visit as they are on an unbeaten run of 4 away games
• In 4 UEFA Champions League Group H games so far, both sides have won 3 while losing just once. Barcelona only sit above Porto because of more points head-to-head this term

Injury & Team News

FC Barcelona have been held back a bit as their main team goalkeeper is out injured. Marc-André ter Stegen featured in the 1-0 away win against Porto. The keeper though is out with a back injury which reportedly will keep him out of action at least this November. Sergi Roberto remains doubtful because of calf trouble. Crucial first-team midfielder Gavi is expected to be out for the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

In the FC Porto squad, left-back Wendell, striker Gabriel Veron and winger Ivan Jaime are all doubtful to be on the team sheet as they all are recovering from muscle injuries. Reserve goalkeeper Samuel is expected to be back in training in December after recovering from a groin injury. Veteran defender Iván Marcano is out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 6

Barcelona wins – 5

Porto wins – 1

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Peña Sotorres (GK); Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Gündoğan, Romeu, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres

Porto predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Costa (GK); João Mário, Pepe, Carmo, Sanusi; Franco, Varela, Eustáquio, Pepê; Evanilson, Taremi

Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Porto

Porto proved difficult last time around for Barcelona. Barca needed to hold onto a one-goal lead from added time of the first half and even Gavi was sent off in the dying minutes of the game. This time Porto will be playing at the home venue of Barca and should prove a difficult prospect.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Porto

Telecast for Barcelona vs Porto

India – Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS, TUDN

Nigeria – Supersport

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