Champions League, Barcelona vs Liverpool: Preview, Dream11 and more
Spanish league champions Barcelona take on a resurgent Liverpool in the Champions League 2018-19 semi-final first leg. Barcelona overcame Manchester United in the quarters, whereas, Liverpool battered FC Porto. One expects to see an intense display of attacking football tonight between two of Europe's best teams. Here is the detailed match preview.
Team news and selection
Barca will be the fresher team after Valverde rested several key players during the weekend clash against Levante in La Liga. Barcelona have a near full-strength squad to pick from. Meanwhile, Liverpool will need to assess the situation of forward Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian missed the tie against Huddersfield with a muscle tear. Mid-fielder Fabinho is available again for the Reds.
View point: What did the managers say?
Barcelona manager Valverde said, "Liverpool play with a great level of pressure and rhythm. They'll be a very difficult opponent to beat. Our intention is to win, but we know the value of stopping them from scoring." Reds boss Jurgen Klopp lamented, "Will we be perfect? That's not possible. Will we make mistakes? Oh, yes. Will we suffer? Oh, yes, 100%."
Stat attack: All the important numbers you need to know
Liverpool have not lost in four previous away matches against Barcelona in all competitions (W2, D2). This is Liverpool's 11th appearance in the European Cup/Champions League semis. Lionel Messi-led Barcelona are unbeaten in 31 Champions League home games (W28, D3). Superstar Messi has scored 24 goals in 32 UCL matches against English oppositions.
Dream11: We go with a 4-4-2 formation
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen leads the line in goal in this Dream11 side. The four-man defense sees Semedo and Robertson as full-backs. Virgil van Dijk and Gerard Pique form the central partnership. Ivan Rakitic and Jordan Henderson are the two central mid-fielders. Phillipe Coutinho and Sadio Mane provide the width. Talisman Lionel Messi leads this side. Mohamed Salah (vice-captain) gives him company upfront.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is set to be held at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. It is going to start at 12:30 AM IST. The match can be telecast live on the Sony Ten Network. One can stream the match live on the Sony LIV app.
