Match Preview : Barça VS Slavia Praha- UEFA Champions League

Our first champions league game if the new year, and it’s a vitally important one in the league phase. Live from 9pm CET time, from Prague in the Czech Republic, its Barça up against Slavia Praha. It’s a massive game for our champions league campaign. Away in a very cold environment, it’s not going to be easy at all.

We know our quality, but we are also more than aware that these are the types of European games that always seem to make life difficult. It’s a shame that our season in Europe so far hasn’t been consistent enough, meaning there is so much more importance on tonight’s game than there probably would usually be. But, that’s the reality at the end of the day. Let’s jump straight in to the preview!

A Quick Look at our opponent:

As for our opponent for tonight’s massive champions league game, Slavia Praha are a historic European side, a dominant force in their own domestic league. Sitting top, whilst also being unbeaten all season in the Czech First League. That form hasn’t really transferred to the Champions League, where they have struggled. But for me, that doesn’t matter, they’re a team with quality, the environment they play in is also going to be a challenge, so its important not to underestimate them at all.

It’s a vitally important game for us tonight, Slavia Praha know that, so its going to be a hard grind tonight, that’s for sure. Let’s see how we could possibly lineup for the game!

Predicted lineup:

As for the lineup for tonight’s game, it’s a tricky one, because although we lost on the weekend for the first time in 12 games, it was one of our best performances of the season. The important thing too, is that the squad is aware of that. So with that in mind, I don’t really see much changing from the starting lineup on the weekend. For me, it would be ideal to rest Cubarsi in this one, he’s basically crying out for it at this point. And he deserves a rest, he’s more than earned it. But, the only other option is Araujo, who hasn’t played since Chelsea.

And in such an important game tonight, I don’t think id trust him being in the starting lineup. Kounde, again hasn’t been great, so Cancelo could start in his position. And in attack, I’d be looking at starting Lewandowski in absence of Ferran. With Raphinha back on the left hand side.