Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp Match Analysis and Prediction

Barcelona vs Antwerp Match Analysis & Prediction

Barcelona

19/09/2023 10:00 pm

Antwerp

by Vincent

2 weeks ago 0 18

DISCLAIMER: All odds are quoted at time the prediction went live. Check the sports book for updated odds

Barcelona will be looking to make a winning start to their Champions League Group H campaign when they host Belgian side Royal Antwerp at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.

Goals Over 2.5: Yes

Best Odds: 1.35

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BTTS: No

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1X2: 1

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The hosts will enter the contest off the back of a 5-0 victory over Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, while Antwerp claimed a 3-0 win over Westerlo in Belgium’s top flight on Friday.

Barcelona made an underwhelming start to their La Liga title defence, being held to a goalless draw by Getafe on August 13, but they have since recorded four straight victories, which has left them top of the table.

Xavi’s side are the reigning La Liga champions and have started well this season, but they have failed to make it out of the group stage of the Champions League in their last two participations.

Barca were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 in 2020-21, but they did make the semi-finals of the 2019-20 competition, losing to eventual winners Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Antwerp are competing in the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in their history, so Tuesday will be a huge moment for the Belgian side.

Mark van Bommel’s side won just their fifth Belgian First Division title last season, and their first since 1957, in order to qualify for the Champions League playoff round, which saw them face AEK Athens.

However, the Reds managed to win home and away against their playoff opponents, claiming a 3-1 aggregate victory to progress to the group stage of the competition.

Barcelona vs. Antwerp Head to head

These two teams have not previously met in any competition.

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Champions League

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona remain without the services of Ronald Araujo and Pedri through injury, but Ilkay Gondogan did feature against Real Betis on Saturday despite concerns over a back problem.

Fermin Lopez is also available again after serving a league suspension at the weekend, so Xavi will have a strong squad for this game.

Barcelona's Last 5 Matches

13/08/2023

Getafe

0

Barcelona

0

La Liga
20/08/2023

Barcelona

2

Cadiz

0

La Liga
27/08/2023

Villarreal

3

Barcelona

4

La Liga
03/09/2023

Osasuna

1

Barcelona

2

La Liga
16/09/2023

Barcelona

5

Real Betis

0

La Liga

Antwerp Team News

Antwerp will be without the services of Ortwin De Wolf, Davino Verhulst, Bjorn Engels, Sam Vines and Kobe Corbanie for this game through injury.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Arbnor Muja are expected to operate in advanced areas, while there will be a start at left-back for former Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet.