UEFA Champions League : Barcelona vs Antwerp Preview, Lineups, Match Info and Time

Barcelona vs Antwerp
MATCH INFO
MATCH :	Barcelona vs Antwerp
COMPETITION :	UEFA Champions League
DATE:	14-12-2023
TIME:	01.30 AM IST (UTC +5:30) 12.00 AM UAE
STADIUM	BOSUIL

Match Live Info

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Prediction and Preview

Barcelona 2 - 0  Antwerp

Predicted Line-Up

Royal Antwerp possible starting lineup:

Butez; De Laet, Alderweireld, Coulibaly, Wijndal; Yusuf, Vermeeren; Kerk, Balikwisha, Ejuke; Janssen

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Pena; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Lopez, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres

Squad Challenges for Antwerp and Barcelona Ahead of Crucial Clash

Antwerp's Selection Woes:

Antwerp faces a significant setback as key attacker Arbnor Muja serves a suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards in the last match against Shakhtar. Additionally, midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp remains unavailable due to a ban from a red card in the previous game. Manager Van Bommel is grappling with an attacking dilemma, compounded by the unavailability of wingers Anthony Valencia and Jacob Ondrejka, both recovering from fractures. Defenders Bjorn Engels and Jelle Bataille are also absent. Chidera Ejuke, a scorer in the recent success against Brugge, may step in for Muja, while Alhassan Yusuf is poised to replace Ekkelenkamp alongside the highly-rated Arthur Vermeeren.

Barcelona's Injury and Suspension Woes:

Barcelona's head coach Xavi faces challenges with a set of absentees and potential risks. Gavi (knee), Inigo Martinez (hamstring), Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marcos Alonso are all ruled out due to injuries, while Frenkie de Jong is unavailable due to illness. Xavi, looking to secure top spot, might opt to shuffle his squad, especially with the risk of key players Ronald Araujo and Joao Felix missing the first leg of the last 16 if they receive yellow cards. The lack of alternative center-backs means Araujo might have limited rest, but wildcard options such as Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez could offer tactical flexibility in attacking areas.

As both teams navigate these challenges, the upcoming clash promises to be a test of depth and adaptability, with Antwerp striving to overcome key absences and Barcelona looking to secure their top spot with a strategic squad rotation.