Group F
Shakhtar v Barcelona
Keen to top the group, Barcelona will be playing all their big names against a Shakhtar Donetsk side still hoping to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard stressed that finishing first was “not our most important goal”.

Rijkaard added: “In this situation not everything depends on us and it’s more important to keep the players fit and produce some good football. I like our opponent and I think the match is going to be tough.

“They’re playing one of the most famous teams in Europe at their own stadium – you think it’s not enough to motivate Shakhtar players?”

The only change expected to be made by coach Rijkaard is the introduction of Silvinho on the left in place of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Ludovic Giuly is still just short of fitness and did not travel with his team-mates.

Mircea Lucescu is expecting an open, entertaining affair.

“We realise that the Barcelona game is very important for us,” Lucescu said.

“I think both teams will play for victory as a draw would suit nobody. A draw might leave Barça second in the group, and for us it will possibly not be enough. We need the victory.”

“We played very well, we were organised and did not make mistakes like we did in the second half against Milan,” the coach added.

“If we are to continue to play as we did in the first half against Milan, if we are more aggressive in defence, then Barcelona are going to have problems – although I think they are playing the most beautiful football in the world at the moment.”

Shakhtar hope that captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk will overcome injury, while Razvan Rat and Ciprian Marica are both out, and Flavius Stoican is still short of fitness.

Nenad Lalatovic will replace Rat, while Mariusz Lewandowski is expected to cover for Marica.