Lionel Messi’s Barcelona will be looking to maintain the performance they put up at the weekend as they look to keep their hopes of finishing as group F leaders in the Champions league intact when they face Cypriot team APOEL on tuesday.
The Catalans are just a point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, having lost to the French champions in the second fixture of the campaign.
The visitors will be without a couple of players as Andres Iniesta has missed the last four games with a calf injury which he sustained in the game against Real Madrid, while new signing Douglas has not featured since injuring his foot in September and Thomas Vermaelen ruled out.
Check Out The Full Barcelona Squad To Face APOEL HERE. Luis Enrique may also choose to rest Daniel Alves, as a booking for the defender would see him suspended for their crucial final group clash against PSG at the Camp Nou next month.
Moreover, Star man Lionel Messi will be aiming to break Rauls all time goal record in the CL after equalling the Real Madrid Legend last time out and needs just a goal to set a new landmark of 72 strikes.
Meanwhile, APOEL cannot reach the knockout stages, but avoiding defeat would keep them in contention for a Europa League spot, however, beating Barca would be a huge mountain to climb.
The Cypriot outfit are without a win in the group this season, with their only point coming from a draw with Ajax, but they did restrict Barca to a 1-0 win at the Camp Nou in September.
The club have been in questionable form domestically as well, playing out two goalless draws since their last Champions League outing against PSG.
The team will go into the game without any major injury concern, and none of their players are suspended.
APOEL Possible starting lineup: Pardo, Sergio, Leme, Da Cruz, Ioannou, Gomes, Morais, Franco, Efrem, De Vincenti, Djebbour.
Barcelona Possible starting lineup:Ter Stegen, Adriano, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Xavi, Suarez, Messi, Neymar.
EDITORS PREDICTION:
APOEL 0-3 Barcelona.