Barcelona are back in UEFA Champions League action this week as they head to Benfica on Tuesday.
The Catalan giants are on the verge of sealing their place in the Round of 16 knockout stages with five wins already from their six games in 2024.
Hansi Flick's charges only need one more win to book their spot in the next phase with Benfica most likely to end up in the playoff spaces after picking up just 10 points from their six matches so far.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news for this fixture, with starting lineups now officially released for the match.
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Benfica vs. Barcelona lineups, starting 11, team news
Benfica head coach Bruno Lage has nearly a full squad to pick from as Benfica welcome Barcelona to Lisbon. The hosts are looking to chase down Sporting Lisbon in the Liga Portugal title race with a three-point gap at the top of the table, but turn their attention to European play today.
The only individuals who are absent today are Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia, with the former out until March with a thigh injury.
Veteran forward Angel Di Maria is the eye-catching name in the home side's attack, although he does not get the start, as Turkey international Kerem Akturkoglu is given the go on the right opposite Norwegian youngster Andreas Schjelderup.
Benfica starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Trubin (GK) — T. Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras — Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu — Akturkoglu, Cabral, Schjelderup.
Injured: Sanches (thigh), Gouveia (shoulder).
Suspended: None.
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Barcelona were held to a 1-1 La Liga draw at Getafe over the weekend with Dani Olmo picking up an injury in the closing stages.
The Spain international has been ruled out for the trip to Portugal, but Lamine Yamal has been passed fit after a minor muscle injury.
The surprise for Barca is the presence of Wojciech Szczesny in goal, replacing Inaki Pena as the Polish veteran begins to see more playing time after coming out of retirement.
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, R. Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — Pedri, Casado, Gavi — Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Injured: I. Martinez (hamstring), Bernal (ACL), Ter Stegen (ACL).
Suspended: None.
Benfica vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Champions League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | TUDN USA, UniMas | Paramount+, Fubo, ViX, TUDN app, Univision NOW |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 | discovery+ |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | Sony TEN 2,3 | Sony LIV, JioTV |
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