Barcelona may be struggling in La Liga, but the Champions League group stage has thus far not been a problem. The Blaugrana sit atop Group G with a perfect 12 points from 12 heading into matchday 5.
Ronald Koeman’s team will head east to Hungary for a showdown with Group G’s last place team, Ferencvaros on Wednesday night. The Hungarians have taken a mere one point from 12 possible.
The Green Eagles cannot qualify for the last 16 of the competitions. They can still make the Europa League last 32 by finishing third. Ferencvaros are level on one point with Dynamo Kyiv, who will play Juventus on Wednesday night.
These teams met on matchday 1 in the Champions League at Camp Nou. Barcelona eased to a 5-1 win on the night with five different goalscorers getting on the scoresheet.
Barcelona are on a two-match winning streak in all competitions going into the game on Wednesday night. After smashing Dynamo Kyiv 4-0, they defeated La Liga rival Osasuna 4-0 as well.
Koeman has an injury-hit defence heading into the game. Centre-back Cement Lenglet is the latest defender to suffer a fitness issue. He may not be fit to face Ferencvaros.
Centre-backs Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo are all ruled out with injuries. The manager may have to play Carles Alena in central defence to plug the gap. Koeman has used defender Oscar Mingueza in defence to cover for recent injuries.
Lionel Messi is also suffering from a fitness issue. He is likely to play, but young star Ansu Fati is ruled out until after Christmas with a muscle injury.
Ferencvaros coach Sergiy Rebrov has just one injury issue. Eldar Civic is a doubt and could miss the game. The Green Eagles are coming off of a 2-0 win at the weekend versus MTK Budapest.
Three of Barcelona’s four matches in Champions League finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Two of those four fixtures also ended with both teams finding the back of the net.
With injuries to key defensive players and a fitness worry around Messi, Ferencvaros should get on the scoresheet. They tallied a penalty in the second half on matchday 1. They should snatch a goal at home on Wednesday night.
Ultimately, Barcelona should keep their winning run going with a victory away from home. The Blaugrana will go a perfect 15 points from 15 as both teams score goals and over 2.5 goals are tallied.