Matchday three of the Champions League sees Barcelona take on Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening (17:45) at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The Catalan giants sit top of Group H after starting their European campaign with consecutive victories, while their opponents are currently in third spot, with three points to their name.

Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction

  • Barcelona to win to nil @ 19/20
  • Ferran Torres to score anytime @ 11/8

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Barcelona quartet Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are all expected to be absent, while it’s a race against time for the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha to be included in the matchday squad.

Meanwhile, Shakhtar are still expected to be without Stav Lemkin, who has missed the last five matches since picking up an injury in the 3-1 defeat to Porto on matchday one.

Barcelona to win to nil @ 19/20

Barcelona have won two from two in this Champions League group, and the Spanish champions have also looked impressive domestically, as they sit just a point shy of top spot ahead of Saturday’s El Clasico.

However, Xavi’s side will be hoping to continue their perfect start to this European campaign, and they should prove to be too strong for Shakhtar here, winning three of their last four games to nil, and they’re yet to concede a goal in this group, having beaten Royal Antwerp 5-0 and Porto 1-0.

Barca have also have won to nil in five of their six home games this term, while they’ve kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 12 home games, so I’m expecting another routine victory on Wednesday.

Ferran Torres to score anytime @ 11/8

With doubts continuing to surround the fitness of star striker Robert Lewandowski, the goalscoring burden could fall onto multiple shoulders on Wednesday, but I’m choosing to back former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres to make an impact.

The 23-year-old scored the winner against Porto on matchday two, and he’s also found the back of the net on three occasions in La Liga, so he’s a decent pick to get on the scoresheet at anytime against Shakhtar.

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