Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction and Match Preview
Barcelona aims to maintain their flawless record in Group H when they face Shakhtar Donetsk this Wednesday.
The Catalan giants continue to miss key attacker Robert Lewandowski, who is still recovering, along with Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha. However, Pedri is expected to be fit for the upcoming match.
Midfielder Gavi won’t be available due to a one-game suspension following his red card in the 1-0 victory over Porto.
Meanwhile, the Miners swiftly bounced back from their 3-1 loss to Porto, securing a 3-2 win against Antwerp in their second group match.
Despite Lewandowski’s injury, Barcelona remains a formidable force when playing at home, making a home victory a strong possibility.
Valeriy Bondar has recovered from his injury, but his fellow defender Stav Lemkin is still sidelined. In their previous encounter in Catalonia back in 2011, Barcelona convincingly defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1.
Team News:
Barcelona is likely to be without four key players: Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri, while Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are in a race against time to make it into the matchday squad.
Both Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal overcame their fitness concerns and featured in Sunday’s clash with Athletic. These two Barcelona academy products are expected to start on Wednesday.
Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo, who returned from South America after the international break and came off the bench over the weekend, is anticipated to play in the backline on Wednesday. He could be partnered in central defense by Inigo Martinez, who displayed an impressive performance against his former club on Sunday.
Guiu, following his memorable debut, may find a place in a Champions League squad for the first time in his career.
Shakhtar is still likely to miss 20-year-old defender Stav Lemkin, who has been absent for the last five matches due to an injury sustained in the 3-1 defeat to Porto on matchday one.
Valeriy Bondar, who recently returned from a spell on the sidelines and played the full 90 minutes in his first appearance since July, is poised to retain his place in the central defense for Wednesday’s match.
Sikan, having scored three goals in his last two appearances, is expected to take on the challenging role of leading the line. With limited opportunities, the pressure will be on him to deliver when chances do come his way.
