Lyon v Barcelona: Match Preview, Team News, Predicted XI | Champions League 2018-19

Will FC Barcelona be the next big name to falter at the Groupama Stadium?
Will FC Barcelona be the next big name to falter at the Groupama Stadium?

One of the five teams to go unbeaten in the group stages of the Champions League, Barcelona will travel to the Groupama Stadium as they face Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of the round of 16 fixture.

The French club is no walkover, with Les Gones gathering 4 points from a possible 6 against the tournament favourites Manchester City. Les Gones also remain the only team to beat PSG in the French league this season with the victory coming just 2 weeks ago at the Groupama. The French club will be looking to add the Blaugrana to their impressive list of big scalps at home this season.

The Blaugrana have been the biggest underachievers in the Champions League the last couple of seasons with the Catalan giants failing to go through to the semi-finals since winning it in the 2014-15 season. Barcelona will be looking to break their poor run and edge closer to their coveted title.


Team News

Lyon

The French winger will be the biggest name missing for Lyon
The French winger will be the biggest name missing for Lyon

Star man Nabil Fekir will be the biggest name missing for Bruno Genesio and his men, with the midfielder ineligible due to suspension.

Teenage forward Amine Gouiri is another injured player; the striker ruptured his ligament in October.

Jason Denayer and Tanguy Ndombele are all doubtful for the fixture.

Barcelona

Samuel Umtiti is finally fit and available for FC Barcelona
Samuel Umtiti is finally fit and available for FC Barcelona

Former Lyon man Samuel Umtiti is fit and available for Barcelona for the first time since injury in November.

Rafinha (knee), Cillessen (calf), Arthur (hamstring) and Vermaelen (calf) are all sidelined for the tie against Lyon.


Probable Lineups

Lyon(4-2-3-1): Lopes; Dubois, Marcelo, Denayer, Mendy; Tousart, Ndombele; Traoré, Depay, Aouar; Dembélé

Barcelona(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitić, Busquets, Vidal; Dembélé, Messi, Suárez

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Edited by Sai Krishna