By Graham Ruthven
Two of the most effective goalscoring sides within the competitors
Whereas Nuri Şahin has come underneath strain for Dortmund’s stuttering kind within the Bundesliga, the Black and Yellows have scored objectives for enjoyable within the Champions League, registering wins over Membership Brugge, Celtic, Sturm Graz and Dinamo Zagreb.
Just one crew has scored extra objectives than Dortmund on this season’s Champions League and that’s Barcelona who’ve netted an eye catching 18 objectives in simply 5 video games.
Lately, although, Hansi Flick’s crew have regarded susceptible. Barca have gained simply considered one of their final 5 matches in LaLiga matches with their newest misstep coming in opposition to Actual Betis on Saturday when the Catalans had been pegged again late on in a 2-2 draw.
Flick’s high-intensity, high-risk strategy has made Barcelona probably the most entertaining crew in Europe this season, but it surely has additionally made them susceptible to opponents who assault them immediately.
This match-up may very well be a superb one for Dortmund with their assault geared in direction of entering into open area. Barca will give them loads of area to take advantage of.
Potential match winners
Jamie Gittens continues to develop in stature for Borussia Dortmund. The English winger has scored in every of his final 4 matches and is rapidly changing into the Bundesliga giants’ most dependable attacking difference-maker – as mentioned in a profile piece on Gittens that we printed right here this week.
Felix Nmecha can be in a wealthy vein of kind and can give Dortmund loads of dynamism in central midfield. He must keep his positional self-discipline in opposition to a Barcelona crew that may attempt to play across the Dortmund midfield.
Nico Schlotterbeck will probably be an vital determine for the hosts on Tuesday night time. The 25-year-old is usually the defender charged with getting Dortmund out from the again and that will probably be significantly important in opposition to Barcelona’s excessive press.
Lamine Yamal is again from damage for Barca and has picked up the place he left off by registering assists in his final two matches. {The teenager} stays probably the most dependable inventive drive for Flick’s crew.
Robert Lewandowski has been sharp in entrance of aim this season, netting a match excessive seven objectives in simply 5 Champions League outings. He will probably be a superb wager to search out the again of the web in opposition to his former membership.
Staff information
Waldermar Anton and Niklas Süle will each miss the match in opposition to Barcelona, that means Emre Can is likely to be set to step into central defence as an emergency possibility.
Maximilian Beier and Julian Brandt are additionally anticipated to be sidelined for the go to of the Catalans, though Karim Adeyemi may function, even when it’s off the bench within the function of an influence sub.
Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo and Ansu Fati have just lately returned to coaching for Barcelona, however aren’t anticipated to function on the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday with Flick reluctant to hurry them again.
Dani Olmo is predicted to maintain his place within the Barcelona lineup, though it’s attainable Frenkie de Jong may begin in central midfield with Pedri pushed right into a extra superior function the place he can have an affect across the field.
Prediction
We’re anticipating objectives however it’s a powerful one to name, so we’re go for an entertaining rating draw: Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Barcelona
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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