Barcelona and AC Milan are sure to rest first-team players on Tuesday having ensured qualification from Group H in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s team are on track to defend their title, certain to finish top of the group after a 3-2 win at the San Siro late last month.
With a huge La Liga clash against Real Madrid on Saturday, Guardiola will rest several of his regulars against BATE Borisov in preparation for the encounter against Jose Mourinho’s men.
Their unbeaten record to start their European campaign will be on the line at Camp Nou on Tuesday, but even a weakened Barca team are likely to cause the Belarusian’s problems.
The likes of Pedro, Jonathan Dos Santos and Isaac Cuenca, who scored in La Liga on Saturday, are certain to want to impress Guardiola.
After a 5-0 thrashing of Levante in the league, Guardiola said 13 of his players would get a rest – including star trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
BATE Borisov are playing for a spot in the Europa League, needing to clinch third place in the group to continue their European adventure.
They need an unlikely win over Barcelona and for Viktoria Plzen to lose at home to AC Milan to take third place.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men travel to the Czech Republic having lost just one of their past 11 outings in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Marco Amelia is expected to start in place of the injured Christian Abbiati, while Alessandro Nesta is still missing.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be keen to add to his four Champions League goals, but how much game time he gets in a clash that has no bearing on standings remains to be seen.
Pavel Vrba will have close to a full squad to choose from with centre back Marian Cisovsky returning from suspension for the Czech champions.
The 1-0 win over BATE Borisov on the last matchday could prove decisive in Viktoria Plzen claiming a spot in the Europa League.
They have scored just twice in five Champions League games, with Slovak striker Marek Bakos netting both of their goals.
Neither of the minnows are expected to record wins over Barcelona and AC Milan, who are among the favourites to win the Champions League.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.