Barcelona vs Antwerp tips: Back Barca to batter Belgian champions

Barcelona have had difficult groups in the last two Champions League seasons having been second seeds.

Winning La Liga last season means the Spanish giants were seeded in this year’s Champions League draw.

Xavi’s team has a favourable group with FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Antwerp, and they are expected to finish first as they are superior to the other three opponents.

The Catalans have made a positive start to their domestic season, winning four of five matches.

Their best performance so far saw them thrash Real Betis 5-0 at the weekend as Joao Felix played a starring role for Xavi’s side.

Suggested bet: Barcelona -2 Asian handicap

FC Barcelona has been more attacking in the first month of this season than in the previous one. In their first five games, they averaged 2.6 goals per game, compared to 1.84 goals per game in the previous season.

Antwerp are on the cusp of history as they prepare to play their first Champions League match. Manager Mark van Bommel made 24 appearances for Barca in a title-winning season.

The Belgian team seized this opportunity after a thrilling end to the season handed them their first title in 66 years.

They had to play two matches against AEK Athens to qualify for the group stage and comfortably progressed when beating AEK Athens 3-1.

Their positive start to the season also saw them claim the Belgium Supercup as they defeated Mechelen on penalties after a 1-1.

Van Bommel’s side have lost just once so far this season and are currently unbeaten in six matches, but this represents a huge step up in quality.

Barcelona played two home games this season and won both without conceding a goal. They have scored a total of 7 goals.

Suggested bet: Barcelona to win to nil

• Sergiu Baltuta provides tips as SVB Tips on Tipstrr