Barcelona will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing La Liga draw when they host French side Brest in a Champions League clash at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday evening.

Match Preview

Barcelona currently sit sixth in the Champions League group stage, having picked up nine points from their opening four matches.

They suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Monaco in their opener but have since secured three consecutive victories against Young Boys, Bayern Munich, and Red Star Belgrade. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski has been in fine form, netting five goals in the competition so far.

Brest, making their Champions League debut this season, have been the surprise package of the group stage. The French outfit sit fourth in the table with 10 points, only two behind leaders Liverpool.

They have recorded impressive wins over Sturm Graz, Red Bull Salzburg, and Sparta Prague, in addition to holding Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-1 draw.

Barcelona’s form has been a mixed bag of late. They remain top of the La Liga table but have drawn two of their last three league games, including a 2-2 stalemate with Celta Vigo on Saturday. Hansi Flick’s side will be eager to return to winning ways in Europe.

Brest’s Champions League exploits have contrasted with their domestic struggles. They have lost their last three Ligue 1 matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, and currently sit 12th in the French top-flight, 10 points adrift of the top three.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Barcelona and Brest.

Team News

Barcelona are still without several key players, including Lamine Yamal, Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres could feature after overcoming their respective injuries.

Brest have their own injury concerns, with Pierre Lees-Melou, Massadio Haidara, Romain Faivre, and Soumaila Coulibaly all doubtful for the trip to Spain. Ludovic Ajorque is expected to lead the line for the visitors.

Predicted Starting Line-ups

Barcelona: (4-2-3-1)

Pena;

Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde;

De Jong, Casado;

Olmo, Pedri, Raphinha;

Lewandowski

Brest: (4-3-3)

Bizot;

Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Amavi;

Camara, Lees-Melou, Fernandes;

Balde, Ajorque, Doumbia

Prediction

Barcelona will be heavy favorites to secure all three points against the Champions League debutants. While Brest have exceeded expectations in Europe, this will be a significant step up in quality for the French side.

Flick’s team should have too much firepower and experience for their opponents, and a comfortable home win seems the most likely outcome.

• Score Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Brest

Betting Tips

– Barcelona to win
– Over 2.5 goals
– Robert Lewandowski to score anytime