Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Barcelona

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League are upon us with eight teams remaining in the quest to become European champions. All eight will fancy their chances at going all the way and given what we know about this competition, it’s hard to picture too many drab affairs between now and May. With that being said, it’s time to preview the first leg meeting between Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona in Germany.

Eintracht Frankfurt

The big problem for Eintracht Frankfurt across the last few months has been consistency. They’re rarely involved in high-scoring games and the problem with that is simple – they can’t lay down a marker against anyone they play. They’re lingering down in ninth in Bundesliga but who knows, maybe their Europa League run is their primary motivation with just a few months left of the campaign.

Team News

Ache and Ramaj are the big injury absences for the host with Hinteregger expected to return to the starting XI after being suspended for their last league game.

Barcelona

Barcelona are 2nd in La Liga but when you take a look at the lead Real Madrid have over them, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to genuinely launch a late challenge. Still, Xavi can be proud of what he’s been able to do with this team since returning to the Nou Camp, with this competition serving as a perfect opportunity to make a real statement to the rest of Europe heading into the summer.

Team News

Fati, Wague, Umtiti, Roberto and Balde are all expected to miss out through injury, with de Jong being a question mark after not playing at the weekend due to COVID-19. Elsewhere, Alves is ineligible to compete.

Factors to Consider

• Frankfurt beat Real Betis 3-2 on aggregate to reach the quarters whereas Barcelona beat Galatasaray 2-1 on aggregate.
• Frankfurt have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Barcelona have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Frankfurt have scored nine goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Barcelona have scored 13 goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

‘Tense’ is probably going to be the best way to describe a fixture between two teams who have conceded just six goals between them in their last 12 games. Barcelona will likely be shut down at every turn when they push forward into the final third, and we can’t picture Frankfurt giving the Spaniards all too much trouble themselves. Therefore, we’re going to predict an anti-climactic 0-0 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport