As we’re closing in on the midpoint of group stage play in Champions League, Barcelona are well positioned to wrap their group up early despite the injuries that the club has been dealing with as of late. Without Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong for the match, Barcelona’s attack has been blunted but in most cases, defensively they have been able to get the job done.
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 25 | Time: 12:45 p.m.
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -540; Draw +575; Shakhtar +1300
Storylines
Barcelona: It feels like as far as Joao Felix goes Barcelona will go as the winger now has three goals and four assists in all competitions since joining. But when consistency in attack has been an issue for both Barcelona and Felix, that’s where concern crops up. Felix’s current form could be a sign that he is finally putting everything together at 23 but he has started hot before and faded by the end of the season so Xavi’s coaching will be critical to keep the good times rolling.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Already performing above expectations in Champions League play, this is almost like a bonus game for them. As long as Shakhtar don’t get blown out, it can be treated as a victory and with Barcelona’s attacking struggles, there is also a chance to turn an early goal into a point similar to when Granada held Barcelona in league play. It’s no easy proposition for the Ukrainian side but it’s a much more winnable match than it may seem on the surface.
Prediction
Felix continues to do what he does as Barcelona pick up another victory to stay a perfect nine points in three matches. Pick: Barcelona 1, Shakhtar Donetsk 0
