Verdict: Ferran Torres to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to get their Champions League charge back on track in midweek, Barcelona will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Catalonia on Tuesday night.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, putting in another action-packed performance over the weekend as they eventually left Andalusia with a 5-3 victory away at Real Betis, Barcelona find themselves sat in the driving seat to defend their La Liga crown this season. Winning all of their previous six consecutive domestic appearances and gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad are now desperate to get their European charge back underway. Last seen in Champions League action falling to an infamous 3-0 drumming away at English giants Chelsea, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad register just a single win from any of their last four European showdowns. Facing what appears to be a must-win showdown on Tuesday night, Flick’s men can’t afford to pass up on what is a golden opportunity in Catalonia.
Barcelona Team News
While Spanish international Ronald Araujo might be set to serve a European suspension on Tuesday night, the 26-year-old has been handed an extended period of leave to focus on his mental heath. Picking up a shoulder injury during Barcelona’s 3-1 victory against Atletico Madrid earlier in the month, Dani Olmo will not feature here.
Bagging a La Liga hat-trick away at Real Betis over the weekend and already notching 13 goals across all competitions, former Manchester City star Ferran Torres should keep his spot leading the line. Settling for a spot on the bench on Saturday, Frenkie de Jong could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Eintracht Frankfurt
As for the visitors, while Eintracht Frankfurt might have gained plenty of plaudits last season as they secured a bronze medal finish among Germany’s elite, Dino Toppmoller’s men have failed to find any kind of stability this time around. Last seen over the weekend putting in a woeful display as they slumped to an infamous 6-0 drumming away at RB Leipzig, the Eagles have come under plenty of scrutiny. Likewise, putting just one-point on the board from any of their previous four Champions League appearances, Frankfurt have also shown some worrying defensive issues. Including a 3-0 European defeat at the hands of Atalanta a fortnight ago, Toppmoller’s side have shipped 13 goals in their four outings since returning from November’s international break. However, despite being pencilled in as a landslide underdog here, it should be noted that Frankfurt clinched a sensational 3-2 win when they last met Barcelona back in April 2022.
Eintracht Frankfurt Team News
Picking up a calf injury during Frankfurt’s 3-0 Champions League drumming against Atalanta on November 26th, the Eagles are expected to be without attacking talisman Jonathan Burkardt here. However, aside from the German striker, Toppmoller’s side have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Catalonia.
Although one-time Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi might have notched just a single strike since completing a permanent summer switch from Galatasaray, the 32-year-old could keep his spot leading the line. Former Leeds star Robin Koch will start at the heart of Frankfurt’s defence in midweek.
Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt last met for a European showdown back in April 2022, the Eagles collected a stunning 3-2 victory in Catalonia.
- Despite their domestic dominance, Barca have registered just a single win from their previous four Champions League appearances.
- Eintracht Frankfurt have collected just one-point from their last four European appearances.
- The Eagles have shipped 13 goals in their four appearances since returning from November’s international break.
- Former Manchester City star Ferran Torres has registered 13 goals across all competitions so far this season.
Conclusion
Desperate to claim an essential Champions League response on Tuesday night, Barcelona face what is a must-win showdown in Catalonia. Mustering just a single win from their previous four European showdowns, Flick’s side will have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. Although Eintracht Frankfurt might have clinched a famous 3-2 victory when they last travelled to the Spanish heavyweights back in April 2022, Tuesday’s guests are pencilled in as a landslide underdog here. With Frankfurt showing some major defensive issues since returning from November’s fortnight interval, Barca’s attacking superstars will be confident of making a statement on home soil.
Verdict: Ferran Torres to score anytime
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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