WHEN IS THE MATCH? The game is at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday November 4. Full Champions League schedule] WHERE IS THE MATCH BEING PLAYED? At the Camp Nou. Here's all the stadium information you need. WHY IS IT WORTH FOLLOWING? It's Barcelona - what more do you want? Even without Lionel Messi they remain a fearsome attacking proposition, and the bookies have them as overwhelming favourites to bang a few goals past poor, unfortunate BATE Borisov.
The Belarussian side have lost all three of their previous meetings against the European heavyweights. Expect goals, goals, goals. TEAM NEWS As mentioned previously Lionel Messi will miss the game, with his return now not expected until near the end of November. Rafinha Alcantara is an even longer-term absentee, while Douglas recently joined them on the treatment table after picking up a foot injury in the Villanovense cup contest. Meanwhile, BATE expect to be without ex-Barcelona winger Aleksandr Hleb (hip), striker Vitali Rodionov (knee) and defender Maksim Zhavnerchik (ankle).
BATE Borisov's Maksim Volodko (R) fights for the ball with Barcelona's Sergi Roberto during their Champions League group E soccer match at the Borisov Arena stadium outside Minsk, Belarus, October 20, 2015
MANAGER QUOTES
Luis Enrique: "The goal is to qualify, and do it as first in the group. The groups are competitive, and anything can happen. But as the defending champions we must send a message that we are ready. We want to win to stay leaders. I am more than happy with the position we're in." Aleksandr Yermakovich: "Barca gave us a football masterclass in our first game. They showed us how to attack and how to play once you lose the ball. We have to learn more, much more."
MATCH FACTS
This will be the fourth meeting between these sides in the Champions League with Barcelona winning all three games between the sides. BATE Borisov are yet to score a goal against the Catalan side in their three meetings while Barcelona have netted 11 times. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 12 games at home in the Champions League, winning 11 and drawing one in that run. BATE Borisov have lost eight of their nine Champions League games against Spanish opposition.
Including qualifying, BATE have not won away from home in any of their last 13 Champions League games (D4 L9), failing to score in six of those matches. Each of the three clashes between these sides has seen a brace scored by a Barcelona player (Rakitic, Pedro & Messi). BATE have the highest shot conversion rate of any side so far (30.77%). BATE have scored three goals inside the opening 15 minutes; a competition high. The last 35 goals scored by Barcelona in the Champions League have all come from open play. Neymar claimed two assists as well as creating eight chances against BATE on matchday three; no player has created more in the Champions League since September 2012.
Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic (R) celebrates with his team mate Jordi Alba after scoring a goal against BATE Borisov during their Champions League group E soccer match at the Borisov Arena stadium outside Minsk, Belarus, October 20, 2015
CAN I WATCH IT ON TV?
Absolutely - it will be screened live on BT Sport in the UK. Further details can be found here. International viewers can see their viewing options here. BETTING ODDS Barcelona - 1/10 BATE - 33/1 Draw - 12/1
PREDICTED LINE-UPS Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Munir, Suarez, Neymar.
BATE: Chernik; Polyakov, Gayduchik, Milunovic, Mladenovic; A Volodko, Nikolic; Stasevich, Gordeychuk, Aleksievich; Mozolevski
