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La Blaugrana secured their place in the last 16 of the competition last week thanks to their controversial 5-4 victory over Benfica. Raphinha’s stoppage-time winner made it six wins from seven for Hansi Flick’s men in Europe and such a strong performance during the league phase allows the German to rotate his squad on Wednesday.
Atalanta are certain of their place in the knockout phase but have not guaranteed automatic passage to the last 16. While a draw in Catalonia could be enough to finish in the top eight, La Dea realistically need to beat Barcelona to guarantee they finish ahead of their competitors.
Here is 90min’s guide to an intriguing European clash.
This is the first competitive fixture between Barcelona and Atalanta.
Long-term casualties Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are missing for Barcelona, with Spanish duo Dani Olmo and Inigo Martinez both absent with foot and thigh injuries respectively. Pedri should recover from illness to feature.
Flick has the luxury of resting first-teamers on Wednesday evening but already took the opportunity to rotate during the weekend’s 7-1 demolition of Valencia. Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and Ronald Araujo were all benched at the weekend.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Atalanta (4-3-3): Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, Casado, Gavi; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Atalanta have been rocked by an injury to last season’s Europa League final hat-trick hero Ademola Lookman. He is set to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, joining Gianluca Scamacca and Odilon Kossounou.
Marten de Roon is a doubt to feature after suffering a head injury against Como at the weekend, while centre-back Isak Hien will return to the XI to help stifle Lewandowski after missing the weekend’s clash due to …
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