Xavi led Barcelona faces a do or die fixt task against Benfica on Tuesday in order to stay in the Champions League. A win will guarantee their spot in the last 16 but any other result than a victory complicate the matter further.
FCB vs SLB Match Details :
When: Tuesday, November 22/ Wednesday, November 23
Time: 20:45 (CET)/ 01:15 (IST)
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona
FCB vs SLB Match Preview :
Xavi's tenure at FC Barcelona started with a 1-0 Catalan derby victory over Espayonol, Memphis Depay converting the spot-kick for the win. But the performance wasn't convincing at all despite dominance on possession with Raul de Tomas hitting the post twice among other close chances for the away side. However at least the new era started on a positive note. The Blaugranas now want to regather themselves for a massively important fixture and a real tester for Xavi's expertise in the Champions League. Barcelona lost back to back opening group stage games without scoring and conceding six to land themselves in a miserable situation under now fired Ronald Koeman. They have since been able to win the two matches against Dynamo Kyiv to steady their ship. The legendary midfielder has now got to show his true might and force his players to do good or go bust against an agile Benfica team.
Barcelona know they have to win against the Portuguese giant to seal their faith on the evening and avoid leaving anything at stake in the last match week against table toppers Bayern Munich. The German giants have already qualified for the latter stages. A draw will put both needing victory next month with Benfica facing a much easier opposition in Kyiv although they failed to score against them in the group last outing. So, Jorge Jesus's side despite having pressure on them have only to prevent a defeat in Spain to loose the burden. They also have to win anyway to secure qualification for the last 16 stage for the first time after 2016/17 campaign. Benfica opened their Champions League account with that 0-0 stalemate against Kyiv before securing a historical 3-0 victory over Barcelona. Their flight was halted after Bayern dismantle them both home and away.
Recent Form (all competitions)
FC Barcelona: WDWDL
SL Benfica: WWLDD
FCB vs SLB Team News :
Sergino Dest, Sergi Roberto and Ousmane Dembele face late fitness tests and Xavi says he will evaluate them in the training to know their availability for the fixture midweek. Nico Gonzalez, Oscar Mingueza and Sergio Busquets all came off in the Catalan derby due to injury niggles but that won't stop them from featuring against Benfica. Ronald Araujo has also returned to fitness giving more options at the back for Xavi to think of. Ansu Fati is missing with his hamstring injury. The only long term absentees for Barcelona are Martin Braithwaite and Sergio Aguero, the latter set to retire from football in the most unfortunate way according to multiple reports after being diagnosed with heart problems.
For Benfica, Valentino Lazaro and Andre Almeida joined the traveling squad to the Camp Nou having recovered from their injury issues but star defender Lucas Verissimo misses out through a knee problem. Joao Mario struggled with a back injury but he has made the squad. Nemanja Radonjic was taken off in the 51st minute in the win over Pacos Ferreira on Friday and is set to be on the sidelines. Roman Yaremchuk and Pizzi are prime candidates to begin the game while Vlachodimos returns to take place in goal.
FCB vs SLB Expected Lineups :
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Oscar Mingueza, Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Jordi Alba, Gavi, Sergio Busquets, De Jong, Serginio Dest, Memphis Depay, Philippe Coutinho
SL Benfica: Odysseas Vlachodimos; Nicolas Otamendi, Morato, Jan Vertonghen, Gilberto, Pizzi, Julian Weigl, Alex Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Roman Yaremchuk, Darwin Nunez
FCB vs SLB Head to Head :
Barcelona faced an embarrassment when they traveled to Lisbon in the Group E fixture earlier with a brace from Darwin Nunez and Rafa Silva securing a famous win for Benfica. The Portuguese side will be impress to stay unbeaten against the Catalan giants in the last two meetings with only other matchup back in 2012 at the very venue ending 0-0.
FCB vs SLB Dream 11 Team Prediction :
GK: Vlachodimos (SLB)
DEF: Grimaldo (SLB), Araujo (FCB), Vertonghen (SLB), Alba (FCB)
MID: Busquets (FCB), De Jong (FCB), Weigl (SLB)
FW: R. Silva (SLB), Depay (FCB), Nunez (SLB)
Match Prediction: FC Barcelona 2-1 SL Benfica
Xavi will face his most stiffer challenge in his managerial career so far and only the best from his players will decide the evening. Cracks are yet to be filled in this Barcelona team but with a character like Xavi inspiring them, they will be able to book their place for the last 16 next year.
