Barcelona soon take on Shakhtar Donetsk for their latest UEFA Champions League clash. The Catalan giants will head into the battle against the Ukrainian side hoping to take away all three points. It is Matchday three in Group H, and Barcelona will want to cement their position at the top of the table.
While Porto and Royal Antwerp battle it out on their end, Barça will be focused on their opponents. Heading into El Clasico after this game, Shakhtar will be a true test for Barcelona to check where they currently stand before taking on Real Madrid.
With close to an hour or so left until kickoff, FC Barcelona have released their official starting XI. Intent on making a statement, Xavi has taken no chances. The selection seems like a strong one, and it should have enough talent to overcome the Ukrainian opposition.
Goalkeeper
German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen starts in goal. In terms of form, his clean sheet against Athletic Bilbao in the last game has served Barcelona well. With two clean sheets in two Champions League games already, the Barcelona captain will want to make it three in a row.
Defense
Xavi keeps his starters in defense more or less the same as against Athletic Bilbao. Inigo Martinez makes his second start in a row after an impressive performance against Basque opponents. Alongside him, Ronald Araujo returns to the starting eleven. The Uruguayan will be hoping to get a good performance in before inevitably starting against Real Madrid later this week.
The flanks of the defense are covered by Portuguese star Joao Cancelo and Spanish veteran Marcos Alonso. Alejandro Balde is benched for the clash, possibly to ensure he arrives with full fitness for the all-important upcoming clash against Los Blancos.
Midfield
In the midfield, Oriol Romeu starts as the primary Barcelona pivot. With Gavi suspended for the game, the interior positions are occupied by German veteran Ilkay Gundogan and Spaniard Fermin Lopez. All three will hope to provide stability and control to Barcelona in a game where they will be expected to dominate proceedings.
Attack
The frontline sees 23-year-old Ferran Torres act as the team’s primary center forward. His wings are occupied by La Masia wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Portuguese star Joao Felix as they look to cause Shakhtar all kinds of trouble.
Given the absence of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, the young forwards will want to take charge in their stead. Their recent displays have been promising and dynamic, something they will want to implement this time around as well.
