Barcelona vs BSC Young Boys Prediction - Champions League

Barcelona will host BSC Young Boys at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys in the second round of the Champions League group stage on 1 October 2024 at 20:00. The Catalan giants, managed by Hans-Dieter Flick, will look to bounce back after a surprising defeat to AS Monaco in their opening group game.

Despite having numerous injuries, including Marc-André ter Stegen and Eric García, Barcelona is highly motivated. Young Boys, under coach Patrick Rahmen, come into this fixture after a 0-3 defeat to Aston Villa and are struggling domestically. With the bookmakers heavily favoring Barcelona to win this match, a recommended bet is Barcelona -2.50 (AH) at odds of 1.8.

Barcelona vs BSC Young Boys Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the previous performances and team statistics, our recommended betting tip is Barcelona -2.50 (AH). Barcelona appears highly motivated to secure their first Champions League victory this season after a surprising defeat to AS Monaco. Their domestic dominance under new manager Hans-Dieter Flick also bodes well for this matchup. Considering Young Boys’ recent struggles, including a heavy defeat to Aston Villa, the Catalan giants are expected to showcase their superior squad depth and quality.

• Barcelona is highly motivated to secure their first UEFA Champions League victory.
• Young Boys have struggled both domestically and internationally.
• Playing at home gives Barcelona a significant advantage.

Barcelona vs BSC Young Boys Odds

The bookmakers heavily favour Barcelona for this Champions League clash against BSC Young Boys, reflecting the gulf in quality and form between the two sides. Given Barcelona’s better recent domestic performances and Young Boys’ struggles both domestically and in Europe, the odds paint a clear picture:

The low odds for a Barcelona win indicate their expected dominance. A draw or an away win is seen as highly unlikely, making this a favourable bet for those backing the home team. Barcelona’s depth and quality at home should prove decisive.

Barcelona Team Analysis

Barcelona’s recent performance has been a mixed bag, showing both promise and vulnerabilities. They have registered three wins out of their last five matches but suffered two defeats, including a recent surprising loss to Osasuna:

Barcelona Key Players

Barcelona will look to their star players to secure a much-needed victory in this Champions League clash. Leading the charge will be Robert Lewandowski, who is critical for the team, particularly with a special betting bonus offered for him to score a goal.

Joining him in attack will be the young sensation Lamine Yamal, who has already scored in the tournament and is proving to be a future star. In midfield, Pedri will be vital for both his playmaking abilities and defensive contributions.

Defensively, Jules Kounde and Íñigo Martinez must step up to ensure stability at the back.

Expected lineup for Barcelona:

• Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martinez, Álex Balde
• Midfielders: Pablo Torre, Pedri, Marc Casado
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

Barcelona is dealing with a significant list of injuries and suspensions that could impact their performance.

Injuries:

The absence of key players like Christensen and ter Stegen, and the suspension of Eric García, particularly impacts their defensive stability. The return of Gavi to training is a positive sign, providing some hope for midfield strength.

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Barcelona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Trio: Pablo Torre, Pedri, Marc Casado
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.

Barcelona has recently shown better domestic form under Hansi Flick, favoring an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the attack, flanked by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

In midfield, Pedri will play a crucial role alongside Pablo Torre and Marc Casado, aiming to control possession and create chances. Despite a string of injuries and suspensions in defense, particularly in the central positions, the team will look to stabilize with Álex Balde and Jules Koundé covering the flanks.

Expect Barcelona to focus on maintaining possession and exploiting their wingers’ pace to break down Young Boys’ defense.

BSC Young Boys Team Analysis

Recent Form: LWLWD BSC Young Boys have had a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures, hinting at some inconsistencies. They have managed to score an average of 1.80 goals per game but have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.

BSC Young Boys Key Players

Expected lineup for BSC Young Boys:

• Goalkeeper: David von Ballmoos
• Defenders: Zachary Athekame, Mohamed Ali Camara, Abdu Conte, Lewin Blum
• Midfielders: Darian Males, Silvere Ganvoula, Cheikh Niasse, Filip Ugrinic
• Forwards: Alan Virginius, Joel Monteiro

BSC Young Boys may not have a standout top scorer, but players like Silvere Ganvoula and Alan Virginius will be crucial for their attacking efforts. Ganvoula, often playing in a central midfield role, will need to exert control over the middle of the park.

Key individual battles to watch include Alan Virginius against Barcelona’s left-back Álex Balde. Virginius’ pace could trouble Barcelona’s defense, and his link-up play with Joel Monteiro will be important if Young Boys hope to break through a better Barcelona backline.

BSC Young Boys Suspensions & Injuries

BSC Young Boys will be dealing with several injuries that could significantly impact their performance against Barcelona.

Injuries:

Suspensions: None

Key defensive and midfield players facing injuries mean Young Boys might struggle to maintain the necessary physical intensity against the Spanish giants. This could give Barcelona the upper hand in their Champions League clash.

BSC Young Boys Tactics and Formation

BSC Young Boys Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Alan Virginius, Joel Monteiro
• Midfield Duo: Cheikh Niasse, Silvere Ganvoula
• Defensive Setup: Central pairing of Mohamed Ali Camara and Abdu Conte
• Notable Strategy: They often rely on quick counterattacks, boosted by the pace of their wingers and forwards to exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defense.

Given their recent struggles and injury woes, Young Boys are expected to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and trying to hit Barcelona on the break. The aim will be to stay compact, frustrate the home side, and make the most of set-pieces and swift transitions.