Barbastrovs.Barcelona

The 34-year-old was signed by the Catalan giants at the start of October in response to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's long-term knee problem, but he is yet to make his debut for Hansi Flick's side, with Inaki Pena the number one.

Szczesny is being tipped to start on Saturday evening, though, as Flick prepares to ring the changes to his usual side.

As well as Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal remain on the sidelines through injury, but the latter is not too far away from returning from an ankle problem.

Flick may select an XI stronger than he might have done under different circumstances, with this clash taking place after a winter break, but there will still be a number of changes to the side that started the 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last time out.

Ronald Araujo is in line to make his first appearance of the campaign after recovering from a long-term hamstring problem.

Meanwhile, Gerard Martin, Frenkie de Jong, Pablo Torre, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres could also find themselves in the starting side, with Barcelona bidding to book their spot in the last-16 stage of the tournament.

However, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor are not currently registered for Barcelona, so the pair will be unavailable for selection.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, E Garcia, Martin; De Jong, Torre; Fati, Gavi, F Lopez; Torres

Written by

Matt Law