Luis Suarez’s first half goal and a brace from Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a 3-0 lead against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.
The return leg will be played at Anfield on Tuesday and the La Liga winners have advantages for the tie.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have made sure the Reds did not score the crucial away goal in the first leg, meaning an away goal for the visitors today will make it even more difficult for the Reds.
The hosts will be without the services of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita, who are ruled out due to injuries, which is a big blow for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Several reports indicate that Virgil van Dijk remains doubtful for the clash and should he be lost, it could hamper the Merseyside club’s slim chances of overcoming a 3-0 deficit.
Mundo Deportivo have predicted Barcelona’s starting XI to face Jurgen Klopp’s side and they have gone with a 4-4-2 formation with Marc-André ter Stegen in goal.
The back four consists of centre-back partnership Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglt, with Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo supporting in the fullback positions.
Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic will retain their central midfield role with Sergi Roberto and Arturo Vidal supporting in the wide positions with Suarez and Messi playing up front.
Another Catalan newspaper Sport has predicted the same starting XI from the first leg with a 4-4-3 formation.
Ter Stegen in goal with Pique and Lenglet playing ahead of him. Roberto and Alba are expected to start as a right-back and left-back respectively. The midfield is set to consist of Busquets, Rakitic and Vidal.
In the attack, Suarez and Messi are expected to be partnered with Barca’s club-record signing Philippe Coutinho, who will return to his former club for the first time since leaving Liverpool for the Spanish champions.
