Barcelona will likely be trying to bounce again from their disappointing La Liga draw after they host French aspect Brest in a Champions League conflict on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night.
Match Preview
Barcelona presently sit sixth within the Champions League group stage, having picked up 9 factors from their opening 4 matches.
They suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Monaco of their opener however have since secured three consecutive victories in opposition to Younger Boys, Bayern Munich, and Purple Star Belgrade. Prime scorer Robert Lewandowski has been in effective kind, netting 5 objectives within the competitors to date.
Brest, making their Champions League debut this season, have been the shock package deal of the group stage. The French outfit sit fourth within the desk with 10 factors, solely two behind leaders Liverpool.
They’ve recorded spectacular wins over Sturm Graz, Purple Bull Salzburg, and Sparta Prague, along with holding Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw.
Barcelona’s kind has been a blended bag of late. They continue to be high of the La Liga desk however have drawn two of their final three league video games, together with a 2-2 stalemate with Celta Vigo on Saturday. Hansi Flick’s aspect will likely be desirous to return to profitable methods in Europe.
Brest’s Champions League exploits have contrasted with their home struggles. They’ve misplaced their final three Ligue 1 matches, together with a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, and presently sit twelfth within the French top-flight, 10 factors adrift of the highest three.
Head-to-Head
This would be the first-ever aggressive assembly between Barcelona and Brest.
Staff Information
Barcelona are nonetheless with out a number of key gamers, together with Lamine Yamal, Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Nevertheless, Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres may characteristic after overcoming their respective accidents.
Brest have their very own harm issues, with Pierre Lees-Melou, Massadio Haidara, Romain Faivre, and Soumaila Coulibaly all uncertain for the journey to Spain. Ludovic Ajorque is anticipated to steer the road for the guests.
Predicted Beginning Line-ups
Barcelona: (4-2-3-1)
Pena;
Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde;
De Jong, Casado;
Olmo, Pedri, Raphinha;
Lewandowski
Brest: (4-3-3)
Bizot;
Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Amavi;
Camara, Lees-Melou, Fernandes;
Balde, Ajorque, Doumbia
Prediction
Barcelona will likely be heavy favorites to safe all three factors in opposition to the Champions League debutants. Whereas Brest have exceeded expectations in Europe, this will likely be a major step up in high quality for the French aspect.
Flick’s group ought to have an excessive amount of firepower and expertise for his or her opponents, and a cushty residence win appears the most certainly consequence.
- Rating Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Brest
Betting Suggestions
– Barcelona to win
– Over 2.5 objectives
– Robert Lewandowski to attain anytime
