Injury ridden Barcelona seeking their 200th win across the prestigious European Competition in Group H matchup against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona will be without six key players, including star striker Robert Lewandowski, with manager Xavi sitting them in the hopes of returning to the line-up in this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Embed from Getty ImagesBarcelona top Group H having won their opening two matches, looking to make it nine points out of nine with a win on Wednesday night.
In six Champions League meetings with Shakhtar, the stats are on Barcelona’s side having won four out of six games scoring 13 goals.
Shakhtar are adjusting to life under newly appointed interim boss Darijo Srna after Patrick van Leeuwen was relieved of his duties, they look to continue a hot start after winning 3-0 over LNZ Cherkasy last weekend in Srna’s first match.
Shakhtar are missing striker Lassina Traoré but are otherwise free of injury concerns.
Having won one of their opening matches in Group H, and losing the other, Shakhtar sit third with three points.
Barcelona manager Xavi tells reporters “I think they can cause us problems” alluding to the attacking potential of the Ukrainian side and the lack of major players for his team.
Embed from Getty ImagesScore prediction: 3-1 Barcelona win
