Barcelona will look to continue their scintillating start to the new season, when they take on Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, away at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, on Wednesday night.
The Catalans, after a disastrous Spanish Super Copa loss to Real Madrid, have been unstoppable in the La Liga and in the Champions League. They began their European campaign with an imposing 3-0 victory over last year’s finalists Juventus at the Camp Nou. Ernesto Valverde’s men come into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Girona in the league this past weekend and the manager will be hoping his team don’t take the foot off the pedal on Wednesday.
Club-record signing Ousmane Dembele is ruled out after undergoing a surgery earlier this month, while versatie midfielder Rafinha is still unavailable. Arda Turan is back in training, but isn’t likely to be involved.
The German international has been a reliable presence in the goal for Barca and will start on Wednesday in Lisbon.
The 23-year old has been brilliant since coming into the team this summer. Having been rested for the weekend clash, he will be relishing a return to his homeland.
Another player who did not get any minutes in the win over Girona, the Spanish centre-half should return to the playing XI at the expense of Javier Mascherano.
The Frenchman has been Barcelona’s best defender in the past few months and should keep his place in the team, alongside Pique.
The former Valencia man is enjoying a fine start to the season under Valverde and should feature in the line-up, ahead of Lucas Digne.
The Brazilian midfielder is proving all his detractors wrong with a string of impressive displays in the middle of the park. Should start ahead of Ivan Rakitic, who played the full 90 minutes on Saturday.
Made a late substitute appearance against Girona over the weekend, but will be reinstated to the starting XI on Wednesday.
The club captain has been heavily involved under Valverde, compared to last season, where he was rotated in and out too much. The difference has been seen as he is showing his influence with some brilliant displays. Should start in the midfield.
The former Everton man hasn’t been able to provide the impact that was expected of him following his return to Barcelona. Will most likely get another run out to prove himself.
The Uruguayan finally broke his goal-scoring rut with a strike against Girona over the weekend and will want to build on it with another goal or two against Sporting.
The little magician has been brilliant since the start of the season, with one stellar performance after the other. Has already netted 12 goals in all competitions and will look to add more in the coming game.
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