By Matt Smith
Contemplating the 2 sides don’t play one another too typically, it’s not been lengthy since they final confronted. Dortmund and Barcelona met earlier within the competitors this marketing campaign, with Hansi Flick’s facet coming away with a 3-2 victory. Ferran Torres got here off the bench to strike twice for the Catalan outfit.
Group information
Barcelona shall be with out long-term absentees Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, whereas Dani Olmo can be on the therapy desk. Iñigo Martínez was dominated out of Barcelona’s recreation towards Actual Betis on the weekend, however there’s an opportunity he returns for this one.
Dortmund have been dealt a double blow relating to accidents, with Marcel Sabitzer and Nico Schlotterbeck set to overlook out for the away facet. Pascal Gross can even be unavailable on account of suspension.
Flick’s facet are free-flowing in assault
Barcelona have undoubtedly been one of many groups to observe within the competitors up to now this season. Flick’s males have scored 3.2 objectives on common, greater than some other facet. The Blaugrana additionally misplaced simply as soon as within the League Section, ending second behind Liverpool within the 36-team desk.
It’s not simply within the Champions League the place Barcelona have been on fireplace. Flick’s facet haven’t misplaced in for the reason that flip of the yr in all competitions and at the moment sit on the prime of their home league. The attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski is up there with the very best on the planet for the time being, and Dortmund are going to have a activity on their arms containing them.
Tough season for Dortmund
Though Dortmund managed to qualify by means of the play-off stage of the Champions League, it’s been a tough season general for the Bundesliga facet. Niko Kovač’s facet at the moment sit in eight place within the German prime tier and face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League forward of subsequent time period.
There’s been a serious gulf in school between Barcelona and Dortmund this season, with the latter undoubtedly going into this recreation as underdogs. Flick’s facet will nonetheless should be cautious of Dortmund’s attacking menace, with solely Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and naturally, Barcelona scoring extra objectives per recreation than the Germans.
Raphinha battling for participant of the competitors
There’s an argument to recommend any of Barcelona’s attacking trio are ones to observe on this recreation, however Raphinha has stolen the present within the competitors this season. The Brazilian winger had offered a mixed 16 objectives and assists within the Champions League this time period, greater than some other participant.
Scoring 11 objectives from simply 4.33 xG reveals the number of strikes Raphinha has produced. Retaining him quiet out broad is one factor, however he’s extremely harmful when he drifts into central areas and is afforded time and area to fireside at objective.
Prediction
With Barcelona taking part in at residence within the opening leg, we’re going for a 2-0 victory to the facet from LaLiga on Wednesday.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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