Champions League: Tottenham vs. Barcelona team news, starting XIs, TV channel

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Spurs vs. Barcelona Champions League

Tottenham’s Harry Kane faces Barcelona’s Lionel Messi at Wembley Stadium tonight

(Image credit: Julian Finney/Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images)

published 3 October 2018

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Barcelona

What: Champions League group B matchday two
When: Wednesday 3 October
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-off: 8pm (UK time)
TV channel: live on BT Sport 2

When Tottenham face Barcelona in the Champions League tonight all eyes will be on the clubs’ two star strikers. Both will be hoping to fire their team to victory at Wembley Stadium.

2018-19 Champions League season guide: results and reports

The group B clash marks the first time that Spurs striker Harry Kane and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi will go head-to-head.

After losing to Inter Milan two weeks ago, Spurs will be looking for a positive result to boost their hopes of qualifying from the group. Meanwhile, Barca come into the game after beating PSV Eindhoven 4-0 and Messi netting a hat-trick.

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With five Ballon d’Or wins and 560 goals in 646 matches for Barca, Argentine Messi has “set the standard” says England captain Kane, who took home the golden boot at this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Kane has revealed his admiration for the No.10 and hopes to one day emulate his achievements. But first Spurs have to stop Messi at Wembley.

“He’s definitely set the standard for the rest of us and it motivates me to get even better,” Kane told the BBC. “Hopefully one day I can score as many, if not more, than he has.

“Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have gone above the norm, when they’re scoring 50 or 60 goals a season.

“As players you want to play against the best in the world and Messi is certainly that. We will do our best to stop him.”

Team news and possible starting XIs

Tottenham face Barcelona tonight for the first time since 1982. They will have to take on the La Liga giants without midfielders Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele. Also missing are defenders Jan Vertonghen and Serge Aurier.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Spurs are “not having good luck with injuries” but captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could return after recovering from a thigh injury.

Goal.com reports that Barca will be without Sergi Roberto (injured) and Samuel Umtiti (suspended). Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique could start as the central defence partnership.

Possible starting XIs

How the teams could line up at Wembley, according to talkSPORT.

Tottenham possible starting XI: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies; Wanyama, Dier; Lamela, Lucas, Son; Kane
Barcelona possible starting XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez, Dembele

How to watch the match on TV

The Tottenham vs. Barcelona clash will be shown live on BT Sport 2. Coverage starts at 7pm and the match kicks off at 8pm.