Date and Time: December 13, Wednesday, 20:00 GMT
Venue: Bosuilstadion
Team Overview
Antwerp, Winless, and Pointless in Group H, Will Look for Their First Point in the Final Match of the Group Stage
Having lost all five matches in Group H, Antwerp will have one final chance to make an impact in the group on Wednesday. They will look to translate their good domestic form in the Belgian Pro League into their Champions League clash against Barcelona.
| Recent Form | Champions League Form: LLLLL |
| Key Players to Watch | Jurgen Ekkelenkamp |
| Team Strengths | Pressing and transition attacks |
| Team Weaknesses | Defending and keeping clean sheets |
Barcelona, Leading the Way in Group H, Will Want to Maintain Momentum in Champions League With an Away Win in Belgium
Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. They lead the Group H table with 12 points.
Xavi will look to regain some momentum heading into the winter break, with a win away from home, especially in the wake of their 2-4 defeat at home to La Liga leaders Girona.
| Recent Form | Champions League Form: WLWWW |
| Key Players to Watch | Ilkay Gundogan |
| Team Strengths | Possession and progressive passing |
| Team Weaknesses | Vulnerable on the counter |
Head-to-Head Statistics
| Royal Antwerp | Draw | Barcelona |
| 1 | 0 | 3 |
The two sides have met three times in history, with the Blaugrana winning three and Antwerp winning another. Expert soccer predictions indicate that a draw is unlikely in the fixture given the head-to-head record. The most recent meeting between the two saw Barcelona run out a convincing 5-0 winners over the Belgian Pro League side.
Player Focus
Football predictions show that the midfield battle will be central to determining who dominates the match and stands a better chance of prevailing with a win. Barcelona like to control the ball and dictate the tempo. Antwerp will cede possession and hit the La Liga side on the counter.
Football prediction analysis shows that midfielders will be at the center of the build-up play, for either side, making them the centerpieces of the match.
- Jurgen Ekkelenkamp: The Antwerp midfielder provides the work rate, defensive nous, and the attacking verve to connect midfield with attack. Ekkelenkamp is also good in front of goal and can grab the occasional foal. He will be pivotal for Antwerp’s gameplan against Barcelona.
- Ilkay Gundogan: The former Manchester City midfielder is the conductor of the Barcelona midfield. The German international dovetails well with de Jong and Pedri to retain the ball and progress it to attacking areas. His pressing is also invaluable in winning the ball back.
Tactical Analysis
Midfield is the football pick for the most tactical area in this match. Whoever controls the midfield will control the bulk of the ball and dictate the tempo of the match. They will also counter-press, win the ball back, and launch attacks.
Royal Antwerp FC vs. FC Barcelona Expert Analysis
Football bet predictions show Barcelona as the heavy favorites to win against a side they beat 5-0 earlier this season. Xavi’s men will have the ball possession and dictate the tempo. This will give them the chance to pick the home side at will.
Betting Odds
22bet’s free football predictions headline a good pre-match offering with odds as follows:
| Royal Antwerp | Draw | Barcelona |
| 5.25 | 4.36 | 1.58 |
The odds favor a Barcelona win heading into Wednesday’s clash. In-game live prediction football will also offer up some options after kickoff on matchday.
Barcelona have the quality and the hunger to dominate the match away to Antwerp on Wednesday. They will win the match and take home the three points, condemning the Belgian Pro Side to a clean sweep of defeats in Group H.
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