Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction

Dortmund fell short last season in the Champions League as they were beaten in the round of 16 by Tottenham.

They now face Barcelona who could spring an upset. These two European teams have never faced each other before. Dortmund, bounced back from a shock Bundesliga defeat at Union Berlin by demolishing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at home on Saturday, are looking to improve on last season’s run to the last 16 where they were beaten home and away by Spurs.

BARCELONA’S Champions League almost cost Ernesto Valverde his job last season. The Catalans had one foot in the final before a slip-up of 3-0 first-leg lead to crash out to Liverpool at Anfield. Barcelona are likely to still be missing Leo Messi who is yet to play this season due to a calf injury. Dortmund can take at least a point, with Marathonbet going 4-5 for the hosts not to lose.

THE TEAM NEWS

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Dortmund are back after a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend. Witsel, Hazard and Akanji all came back from the international break with knocks but featured at the weekend and are back to full fitness.

Lucien Favre may be tempted to name the same eleven though he does have plenty of options.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Burki; Hakimi, Hummels, Akanji, Raphael Guerreiro; Witsel, Delaney; Sancho, Reus, Brandt; Paco Alcacer

Unavailable: Morey (Injured)

Doubtful: Schulz (Injured)

BARCELONA

Barcelona thrashed Valencia following a below-par start to the Spanish league season. Luis Suarez returned from injury at the weekend and came on as a second half substitute and sealed the 5-2 victory with two goals.

Lionel Messi did not feature in that game despite returning to training and the most likely scenario here is a place on the subs’ bench

Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Nelson Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, De Jong; Carles Perez, Griezmann, Luis Suarez

Unavailable: Dembele (Injured), Umtiti (Injured)

Doubtful: Neto (Injured), Messi (Injured)