Barcelona Set to Clash with Copenhagen: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting XIs
Barcelona welcome FC Copenhagen on Wednesday as they seek to secure one of the remaining positions in the Champions League's top eight to earn direct qualification to the round of 16.
After their crucial 4–2 triumph over Slavia Prague away from home last week, Barcelona need another convincing victory to squeeze into the top eight. Presently in ninth place and tied on 13 points with seven other clubs, the goal difference tiebreaker will be decisive in determining the final league phase rankings.
While the Catalans cannot control their own fate entirely, beating Copenhagen by a substantial margin should be enough. Nevertheless, the visitors are also battling to avoid elimination and will be determined to cause an upset.
Hansi Flick faces several key absences to navigate, though this won't provide much justification if the reigning Spanish champions fail to overcome a weaker opponent.
Following a sluggish beginning to their Champions League journey, Barcelona can correct their early campaign mistakes on Wednesday, otherwise they'll be compelled to enter the unpredictable playoff round.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Champions League encounter.
What Time Does Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Kick Off?
What Time Does Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Kick Off?
Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Head-to-Head Record
Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Barcelona (WWLWW) | Copenhagen (WDDDW) |
|---|---|
Barcelona 3–0 Real Oviedo | Copenhagen 3–2 B 93 |
Slavia Prague 2–4 Barcelona | Copenhagen 1–1 Napoli |
Real Sociedad 2–1 Barcelona | Sturm Graz 4–4 Copenhagen |
Racing 0–2 Barcelona | Brann 1–1 Copenhagen |
Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid | Copenhagen 2–0 Esbjerg fB |
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Copenhagen on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Copenhagen on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, DAZN USA |
United Kingdom | discovery+, discovery+ App |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, HBO MAX |
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
The most significant obstacle Flick confronts for Wednesday's match is the absence of his regular midfield partnership. Pedri sustained a hamstring problem last week that will keep him out for a month, while Frenkie de Jong received a suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
Eric García is anticipated to start as the defensive midfielder, with Gerard Martín once more filling in at center back. Given Barcelona's need to find the net, Dani Olmo might feature in Pedri's position within an aggressive and attack-minded formation.
Lamine Yamal will rejoin the starting eleven after completing his suspension in the victory over Slavia Prague. He'll be accompanied by Fermín López and Raphinha, with Robert Lewandowski spearheading what should theoretically be a formidable Barça offensive unit.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Copenhagen
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Copenhagen
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Copenhagen (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; García, Olmo; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Copenhagen Team News
Copenhagen Team News
Despite not featuring in a single domestic match since early December due to the Danish league's winter hiatus, Copenhagen managed an impressive stalemate against Napoli last week to maintain their hopes of reaching the playoff stage.
Jacob Neestrup's team will be without the suspended veteran Thomas Delaney, who joins the injured Magnus Mattsson and Rodrigo Huescas as the only significant absentees for the journey to Catalonia.
Jordan Larsson—son of former Barça striker Henrik Larsson—represents Copenhagen's primary attacking threat, becoming instrumental in his team earning seven of their eight league phase points across the previous three matches.
Copenhagen Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Copenhagen Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Copenhagen Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Kotarski; Meling, Pereira, Suzuki, López; Larsson, Madsen, Clem, Achouri; Moukoko, Elyounoussi.
Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Score Prediction
Barcelona vs. Copenhagen Score Prediction
Barcelona will enter the field at Camp Nou fully conscious that they must net as many goals as possible to position themselves for direct advancement to the round of 16.
Flick's team will pressure Copenhagen's backline from the opening whistle, but this approach also means they will create gaps behind for the visitors to capitalize on Barcelona's apparent defensive vulnerabilities.
It may require patience, similar to their weekend performance against Real Oviedo, but once Barcelona establish a lead—particularly a two-goal cushion—the dam could burst and additional goals might arrive in rapid succession.
Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Copenhagen