Barcelona vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Match Preview

FC Barcelona return to Champions League action after a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first Clásico of the season with an aim of topping Group C in style.

The Catalán giants have already secured top spot after beating Celtic 2-0 two weeks ago but will be looking to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last three matches and have just one win in their last 5 in all competitions.

Both teams have nothing to play for as they both have guaranteed first plays and Europa League spot respectively. Coach Luis Enrique made it known in his press conference that the team will give their all irrespective of the situation as it is a game “to have fun and give the fans a good time.”

TEAM NEWS

Barça’s only major injury concern is Jérémy Mathieu which wouldn’t affect them much. Neymar is also out after being suspended for the game and won’t play which means Arda Turan or Denis Suarez is set to deputise in that left wing position. Iván Rakitic is also suspended which gives André Gomes, Denis Suarez and Rafinha a chance to start.

Luís Enrique may decide to give Paco Alcácer a chance and rest Luis Suárez but confirmed that Messi will feature from the start. The Argentine talisman eyes Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of most goals in the group stage and will need three goals to break the record.

Samuel Umtiti and Andrés Iniesta are very likely to both return to the starting lineup after both players started on the bench in the Clásico on Saturday evening while Lucas Digne is likely to start ahead of Jordi Alba at left back. Luis Enrique might also decide to rest Ter Stegen and give Jasper Cillessen some minutes.

For the visitors, Lars Stindl is suspended for the game but will still travel with the team to Barcelona. Ibrahima Traoré, Herrmann, Alvaro Dominguez and Josip Drmic will not travel to Spain due to injury.

PREVIOUS MEETING
Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Barcelona

FORM GUIDE
Barcelona: DWDDD
Borussia Monchengladbach: LLDDL

Predicted Barcelona Lineup: Jasper Cillessen; Sergi Roberto, Javier Mascherano, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne; Rafinha Alcántara, André Gomes, Andrés Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Paco Alcácer, Arda Turan

Predicted Borussia Monchengladbach Lineup: Yan Sommer; Elvedi, Andreas Christensen, Strobl; Korb, Wendt; Kramer, Dahoud, Johnson; Throgan Hazard, Raffael

BarcaLens Prediction: Messi needs those goals, unfortunately for the visitors. Barça will play with a free mind and will win comfortably – Barcelona 4-0 Borussia Monchengladbach.