UEFA Champions League: Preview of best matches coming up

#2 Barcelona(H) vs Lyon

Pique has been in top form on both sides of the pitch

Another tie up between one of the powerhouses of Europe and an up and coming side filled with lots of young and exciting talent and capable of showing mesmerizing football.

Form wise Barcelona are on a 5 match winning run in the league and are on a high after dismantling Real Madrid twice in one week. Lyon on the other hand, enter into the round after two thumping wins over Caen and Toulouse but are guilty of letting a 2-0 lead slip this weekend in the draw against Strasbourg.

But while Barca their starting lineup against Vallecano except for Rakitic and Dembele, Lyon rested several of their starters in Dubois, Ndombele, Fekir, Depay and Traore to keep them fresh for their away clash against the Blaugranas.

Injury wise, Barcelona are sweating over the Dembele's injury after Valverde said that he would be assessed after the final training session. Vermaelen is also a doubt for making to the match day squad. On the other hand, Marcelo and Rafael remain doubtful for Lyon as the former stretched off just after 15 minutes in the match in weekend.

In the Barca midfield Arthur and Vidal compete for place alongside Rakitic and Busquets while Coutinho might get another opportunity after Dembele's injury. Lyon were lucky to escape with a goal less draw at their home but should know that the Blaugranas are extremely difficult to beat at home. Barca on the other hand would do good not to underestimate their French rivals after seeing the last week encounters.