Date: 19th February 2019
Stadium: Parc OL
Barcelona will want to put their unconvincing recent form behind them when they travel to face Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at Parc OL. The Catalans successfully negotiated Group B without suffering a single defeat in six games, running out winners with some to spare over Tottenham, Inter and PSV. Lyon, meanwhile, also came through the pool stages unscathed, but they drew five of their six games. As a warning to Barca, though, their single victory came away to Manchester City.
Squads & Team News
Lyon are missing star man Nabil Fekir, which means that Memphis Depay is likely to occupy the No.10 role.
Tanguy Ndombele and Jason Denayer were both doubts in the build-up to this clash, but it is expected that OL boss Bruno Genesio will gamble on the fitness of both from the outset.
Possible Lyon starting XI: Lopes; Dubois, Marcelo, Denayer, Mendy; Ndombele, Aouar; Traore, Depay, Cornet; Dembele
Barcelona’s greatest headache is the absence of Arthur in their midfield. There is no clear frontrunner to take his place, with Sergi Roberto, Arturo Vidal and Philippe Coutinho all candidates to start. Samuel Umtiti is fit to face his former club but fellow Frenchman Clement Lenglet is set to be handed the opportunity to feature as no risks will be taken over the World Cup-winning centre-back. Jesper Cillessen, Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha are all out.
Possible Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergi Roberto, Busquets, Rakitic; Messi, Suarez, Dembele
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