On Tuesday night, the Champions League returns. One of the most eye-catching games of gameweek one is Dortmund hosting Barcelona at the Signal Iduna Park. These are two of Europe’s most exciting teams to watch, so expect fireworks.
Dortmund (Odds of 2/1 for victory)
Lucian Favre’s team have made a bright start to their Bundesliga campaign and will be confident of pulling off a victory over the visiting Catalan’s. BVB have been absolutely deadly in attack in the German top-flight so far this season, with the front three of Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus and former Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer all in superb form.
Last season Dortmund suffered a last-16 exit from this competition against Tottenham during a difficult run of form of form. This time around Favre’s team will expect to do much better, despite being paired with one of the favourites to win the Champions League in Barcelona.
Dortmund will need to improve their recent records in Europe’s elite competition, as BVB have won just once in their last five matches in the Champions League. However, the way the German team have started the season shows they will not be easy opponents for the visitors.
Key player
Dortmund have so many players in form this season. Reus and Alcacer have started the campaign on fire. However, England winger Jaden Sancho is our one to watch, as he has the capacity to both create and score goals against an unconvincing Barcelona defence.
Barcelona (Odds of 5/4 for victory)
Ernesto Valverde’s team have endured a difficult start to their domestic campaign. However, they got back to winning ways at the weekend with a 5-2 spanking of Valencia at the Nou Camp.
The Catalan giants are one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season. The tag is certainly justified as the visitors are always there or thereabouts when it comes to the latter stages of the competition. Their problem in the last two seasons is throwing away seemingly unassailable leads in ties late in the competition.
Dortmund will be a tough test for the visitors, who are still without talisman Lionel Messi. Luis Suarez scored a brace off the bench against Valencia, so should start in this clash. Teenager Ansu Fati caught the eye against Los Ches and could make his Champions League debut at just 16 years of age.
Key player
Suarez’s return to the Barcelona attack could be key in this difficult clash. He offers know-how and the ability to score a vital goal out of nothing. The experienced forward could start in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann, with Ansu Fati and fellow youngster Carlos Perez competing for the other spot in attack.
[reviewTableLarge ids=”620,639,642″ title=”Best betting sites to place bet on this game are:”]Prediction
Barcelona have been so inconsistent this season in La Liga and there are huge question marks over their backline. They have conceded at least twice in their last three games, they must tighten up against a prolific Dortmund front three.
This clash has goals written all over it, so back the over 3.5 goals scored at odds of 13/10. The winner market is a bit more difficult, but we fancy the home side to pull off a victory against an unconvincing Barcelona. Back the home win at odds of 2/1.
Verdict: Back the home win at odds of 2/1 and/or over 3.5 goals at odds of 13/10 (All odds from Bet365)
Don’t forget to visit our betting page if you wish to place a wager on the Dortmund v Barcelona game. Also, check out our soccer predictions page for our previous tips and see how we have done with our past tips.
Who will win Tuesday’s big clash in the Champions League?
