Champions League Preview, Barcelona Vs. Monchengladbach: Prediction, Possible Line-Ups, And Betting Tips
With qualification already assured, Barcelona hosts Borussia Monchengladbach in the last group match of the Champions League on Tuesday.
A 2-0 win over Celtic in their last European match confirmed Barcelona’s place in the pre-quarter final as the group C winners. Their final group game against Monchengladbach is a just a formality, but Luis Enrique will be motivated to extend winning record of his team in the competition.
MATCH PREVIEW: FC Barcelona v Borussia Mönchengladbach: https://t.co/r2bTlsVOVM #FCBBorussia pic.twitter.com/msrk06CyTO
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 6, 2016
The Blaugrana have terrific record at home in the Champions League, with 17 wins and a draw in their last 18 home matches. Luis Enrique’s men are on a 13 games winning streak at home, and they will want to increase their winning tally when they welcome the German side on Tuesday.
Monchengladbach, meanwhile, will be bidding goodbyes to this season’s Champions League as their third place in the group C is already confirmed, irrespective of this game’s result.
In the previous encounter between these teams, Barcelona had beaten Gladbach 2-1, in the first round of this year’s Champions League.
Team News: Barcelona
Barcelona has nothing to worry about in terms of qualifying for the next round of the Champions League, since they have already progressed as the group C winners.
Luis Enrique’s team is almost fully fit ahead of the clash against Monchengladbach.
Lionel Messi, who wasn’t at his best in the last weekend’s EL Clasico, will be looking to increase his European goal tally of 92 in this match.
? Luis Enrique: "Tomorrow Messi will play from the start" #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/YmhF0nJpy8
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 5, 2016
Luis Suarez, however, is likely to be given rest in this match.
Neymar Jr. and Ivan Rakitic will serve one-match ban on match-day six, thus, they will be unavailable for selection. Arda Turan might replace the Croatian Midfielder in the starting lineup.
Influential captain Andres Iniesta played an impressive cameo in 1-1 draw against Real Madrid last weekend. His return to the squad will be the major boost for Barcelona.
Carles Alena, who scored in the Copa Del Rey match against Hercules last week, might get a chance to start in place of suspended Neymar Jr.
Barcelona: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
Cillessen- Roberto, Umtiti, Mascherano, Alba – Denis Suarez, Busquets, Iniesta – Messi, Arda, Alcacer
Team News: Borussia Monchengladbach
Borussia Monchengladbach’s season has plunged into misery as their domestic and European form both looks appalling at the moment. They are without a win in their last seven matches, and already are eliminated from this season’s Champions League.
Several players are set to miss the match due to injury concerns for Andre Schubert’s team.
Lars Stindl is suspended following his red card against Manchester City in the previous group match.
Ibrahima Traore is out for rest of the year due to his groin injury. Patrick Herrmann will miss this final Champions League clash due to a ligament injury.
However, the good news for Monchengladbach fans is that Marvin Schulz, who is yet to play this season, resumed training after coming back from a hip injury.
Borussia Monchengladbach: Predicted Line-up (3-4-3)
Sommer – Vestergaard, Christensen, Elvedi – Dahoud, Wendt, Krammer, Strobl – Hahn, Hazard, Raffael
Barcelona vs. Gladbach: Head-to-Head
Total games: one
Barcelona win: one
Monchengladbach win: nil
Draws: nil
Barcelona vs. Gladbach: TV Schedule and Channel
? ? When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Borussia Mönchengladbach https://t.co/88XD5QAMHf pic.twitter.com/KZJqOpJbIG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 6, 2016
In the U.S., the match will be live on beIN SPORTS USA, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., fuboTV, beIN SPORTS en Espanol. For other regions, TV schedule can be found in the link here.
Barcelona vs. Borussia Monchengladbach: Prediction
Barcelona is not at their usual best coming into this match. They have drawn three consecutive matches, and have won only one out of their last five games.
However, Luis Enrique’s men have tremendous form while playing at home in the Champions League. The likes of Messi and Iniesta can deliver some great performances individually to seal a victory for their team.
Monchengladbach, on the other hand, is without a win in the last seven matches, and has a poor record in away games this season. To beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou will require some extraordinary performances from the German team.
Analyzing the strengths and form of both sides, Barcelona is the top favorite to win this fixture.
Final Predicted Score. Barcelona 3-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
Barcelona vs. Gladbach: Betting Tips and Odds
- Barcelona win: 1/3
- A draw: 9/2
- Borussia Monchengladbach win: 7/1
- Under 2.5 goals: 7/4
- Over 2.5 goals: 2/5
- Both teams score: 4/7
- Both teams fail to score: 5/4
The odds were provided by Paddypower.
Key Stats to consider
- Barcelona has drawn their last three matches in all competitions.
- Barcelona has won their 13 consecutive Champions League home matches.
- Monchengladbach is without a win in their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Monchengladbach lost 2-1 against Barcelona in the first game of Champions League this season.
The Barcelona vs. Monchengladbach stats were provided by Whoscored.
[Featured Image by David Ramos/Getty Images]
