Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Champions League game at the BayArena

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Luis Suarez: The world-class Uruguay striker has now netted in eight consecutive La Liga games. Recent claims by team-mates and other footballing figures have stated that Suarez deserves to be in the three-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. The Barcelona star is in exceptional form this season, scoring 22 goals in 25 games.

Weird stat…

11: Current Bayer Leverkusen striker and ex-Manchester United player Javier Hernandez has now scored more goals than the whole of the Manchester United squad since October. Whilst United are struggling for goals, a player they let go of in the summer, is now in the scoring-form of his life for Leverkusen.

Remember when…

7th March 2012 and Barcelona wiped-the-floor with Bayer Leverkusen at the Nou Camp as they won 7-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Lionel Messi made history that night – becoming the first player to score five goals in a Champions League fixture.

Player to watch…

Hakan Calhanoglu: Watch out for Bayer Leverkusen’s free-kick specialist – Anything from 35 yards out and you’ll be sure to see something special. One of Europe’s most sort-after midfielders has the ability to change a game with the flick of his right-foot. The 21-year-old originates from Germany, however, has now made 15 appearances for Turkey.

Past three-meetings…

Barcelona 2 (Sergi Roberto, Suarez) v Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Papadopoulos) Champions League, September 2015

Barcelona 7 (Messi x5, Tello x2) v Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Bellarabi) Champions League, March 2012

Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Kadlec) v Barcelona 3 (Sanchez x2, Messi) Champions League, February 2012

Form guide…

Bayer Leverkusen: LLWDDL most recently losing 2-1 to Hertha Berlin

Barcelona: WWWWWD most recently drawing away at Valencia.

Vital information…

Kick-off time: Wednesday 9th December 19:45pm

TV: Live on BT Sport, highlights on ITV