UCL PREVIEW: BARCELONA VS BAYERN MUNICH

INTRODUCTION

Barcelona welcome the German giants to the Camp Nou for the penultimate game of the Champions League group stages.

Barcelona have continued their good form in La Liga with convincing wins over Villarreal and Athletic Club. Their Champions League form however, has been anything but desirable. While the last minute equalizer against Inter left a bit of hope, the Catalan giants steer into the real possibility that they'll be going to the Europa League for the second consecutive year, the second time in their history such a thing has happened. With a huge probability that their fate will be sealed before kick off, Barcelona may have nothing but pride to play for. 

Bayern Munich however, have had an illustrious champions league campaigns so far, scoring 13 and conceding 2 over 4 games. They'll be declared group winners with a positive result from this clash, and that's what they'll go for. They've also picked up their domestic form recently, looking poised to retake the number one spot any moment. 

INTERESTING STATS 

• Bayern are unbeaten in their last 32 Champions League group games (W29, D3)—a current competition record.
• Bayern have won 8 of their last 9 matches versus Barcelona in all competitions, and have won three of their five away games against them.
• Barcelona have lost their past five UEFA Champions League meetings against Bayern Munich, with scores of 3-2 (home), 8-2 (neutral ground), 3-0(away), 3-0 (home), and 2-0 (home)—their worst record against a particular opponent in the competition.
• If Barcelona loses this game, they will be eliminated from the UEFA Champions League group stage in back-to-back seasons for only the second time in their history.
• The Bavarians have not lost in four of their last five away games against Spanish opponents but did lose their previous such game against Villarreal in the quarter-finals last year.

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Xavi will remain without Araujo, Christensen, Depay and Roberto, who dislocated his shoulder in the game against Athletic Club. Gavi, who had to be subbed off in the first half against the Basques has been deemed fit to partake in this clash. Xavi will have no option than to field a strong lineup for this one, regardless of what happens in Milan.

The formation he will use however, is up for debate. We saw him deploy a 4-4-2 over the weekend after using a 4-3-3 against the Yellow Submarines. At this point, only Xavi knows what he'll do. Regardless of the tactics, certain players are sure to play key roles: Lewandowski, Dembele, Pedri, Frenkie, Gavi, and Kounde and TerStegen. Balde might've also gotten himself into the starting lineup after a brilliant display against Athletic Club. With Roberto out, Bellerin could fill in at Right back. Ferran Torres has been improving greatly and will likely feature at some point, along with Ansu Fati.

Bayern Munich

The German giants arrive in Spain without Bouna Sarr, Lucas Hernandez, Leroy Sane and Manuel Neuer.

Everyone else is fit for this contest. Sadio Mane is expect to start after being benched against Hoffenheim, to be supported behind by Coman, Musiala and Gnabry. Chuopo-Moting might have to settle for a bench role, despite scoring 4 in his last 3 games. Kimmich and Goretska will form the double Pivots. Davies has recovered from the head injury sustained in Der Klassiker in time and is expected to start. Upamecano, Delight and possibly Pavard will complete the Backline, with Ulreich deputizing for Neuer.

Where and when are Barcelona vs Bayern Munich playing?

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Camp Nou
• Date: Wednesday 26 October
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST / 12:00 PST
• VAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
• Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)

CONCLUSION.

  With their qualification already secured, Bayern Munich will play this game with no pressure but will full determination to win. Barcelona however, will either have a chance to save their campaign or be condemned to third prior to kick off. Either way, they have to play their hearts out. If this is to be the end, they might as well go out on style. No better way to do it than against who has become a real thorn for them recently.