Barcelona will aim to register their sixth Champions League victory in seven matches this season when they travel to Portugal to face Benfica on Tuesday night.
The Catalan heavyweights are currently second in the Champions League table, boasting 15 points from their opening six matches. As a result, they are in an excellent spot when it comes to making the next round of the European competition.
They have just won the Spanish Super Cup and are through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but a poor result in Lisbon would leave Hansi Flick’s side in an uncertain position ahead of their final game in the league phase at home to Atalanta next week.
Barcelona Team News
Dani Olmo has been ruled out of the clash after picking up an injury in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Getafe in La Liga, but Lamine Yamal has been passed fit after a minor muscle injury.
Hansi Flick has also named Ansu Fati in his travelling squad to Portugal, although the board is looking for a way out of the transfer market.
Predicted Barcelona lineup vs Benfica (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Inaki Pena should don the gloves against Benfica in midweek, hoping to shut the shop as quickly as possible.
Defence
Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde should be the full-backs as usual. The onus will be on them to stretch Benfica and create openings in the final third. They will also have to be defensively resolute when required.
Ronald Araujo should get the nod to partner young Pau Cubarsi in central defence, with Inigo Martinez out with a hamstring problem.
Midfield
Marc Casado should form the double pivot with Pedri in the middle of the park once again. They will be trying to take control of the game as early as possible and put the hosts on the back foot.
Gavi has the qualities to hurt the opposition with his incisive passing, creativity and movement in the final third. Frenkie de Jong and Pablo Torre may get called upon in the second half to add more energy and steel to Barcelona’s midfield unit.
Attack
The fiery triumvirate, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha can cause all kinds of problems for the Benfica defence. Yamal and Raphinha are in sensational form, creating chances, making assists and scoring goals at will. They will look to get the better of Benfica’s full-backs and provide service for Lewandowski in the box.
Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres may get chances to make an impression in the second half, as Barcelona look to punch their ticket to the competition’s knockout rounds.
