Two giants of European football will clash at Signal-Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona fight it out for top spot in their group in the Champions League. Bet on the match here.
Borussia Dortmund have invested in their squad with the Bundesliga title in mind, but you should not expect them to take their eye off the ball in the opening clash of their European campaign. The hosts have an incredible home record that spans six games. This will not be an easy fixture but Dortmund will give their all in front of their own fans.
Barcelona are desperate to win this competition, with Lionel Messi making it their stated target. They have suffered two humiliating exits in this competition so far under the leadership of Ernesto Valverde and they will want to send a very clear message from the word go.
Betting preview
Barcelona have failed to win three of their last five away outings in all competitions and Dortmund have been excellent following six wins from their last six at home. We expect a difficult match but backing a Double Chance Home Win promises good returns at odds of 1.55.
Both teams have found the back of the net in three of Barcelona’s last five outings and the same is true for their hosts. We can expect a very entertaining fixture and you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.35.
Dortmund have seen Over 2.5 Goals land in all of their last five outings, whilst Barcelona have experienced the same in all but one of their last five fixtures. There is good value in backing Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.45 in this one.
Team news
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed Nico Schulz is injured, while Lukasz Piszczek is not 100% fit either. Achraf Hakimi may have to fill in at full-back whilst Thomas Delaney and Julian Weigl are likely to compete for one starting berth in midfield. Summer signings Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt will battle it out for a spot on the left-wing.
Messi has been declared fit for Barcelona and could make his first appearance of the season here. Ansu Fati and Carles Pérez will, unfortunately, drop to the bench if the Argentine is available. Samuel Umtiti is still sidelined and is set to miss out.
Possible lineups
Borussia Dortmund: Burki, Hakimi, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro, Weigl, Witsel, Sancho, Reus, Hazard, Alcacer.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, De Jong, Busquets, Arthur, Messi, Suarez, Griezmann.