Barcelona's search for their first-ever Europa League trophy continues this Thursday as they travel to Germany to take on Frankfurt in the first leg. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Both sides head into this game in contrasting form with one side struggling for goals whilst the other can barely put a feet wrong. Would they Catalans secure yet another victory ?
Barcelona eyeing fifth consecutive victory in all competitions
Eintracht Frankfurt were pitted against Real Betis in the Round of 16 and although they did secure a 2-1 win in Spain, little did they know what the Spaniards had in store for them in the second leg. Goals were had to come by in Germany up until the 90th minute as Borja Iglesias netted for Real Betis to send the game to extra time. This set the tone for Frankfurt to return the favour as Guido Rodriguez put the ball into his own net in the final minute of extra time much to the delight of the Frankfurt faithful. They do head into this game unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, however, they've found it hard to find the back of the net having drawn blanks in their last two games and given that they take on a confident Barcelona side, goals would need to come by for them to stand a chance.
A brilliant individual goal from Pedri was all that separated Barcelona from Sevilla last weekend as the Catalans leapfrogged their opponents into the second position in the Spanish top-flight. This would be their fourth straight victory in all competitions- a scintillating run that also contains a statement victory against Real Madrid. As of now, it's too late to push for the LaLiga title with Real Madrid miles ahead, however, a chance for silverware this season would be the UEFA Europa League and the Catalans have been efficient in this competition. Galatasaray, in the last 16, did prove to be tough opponents across both legs but eventually caved in as Xavi and his charges celebrated a 2-1 aggregate victory. Would we see them move a step close to their first-ever Europa League trophy as they take on Frankfurt this Thursday?
Frankfurt vs Barcelona Team News
Frankfurt possible stating XI:
Trapp; Hinteregger, Ndicka, Tuta; Knauff, Sow, Jakic, Kostic; Kamada, Lindstrom; Borre
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres
Frankfurt vs Barcelona Prediction: 0-2
It's now 13 matches since Barcelona suffered a defeat and given their opponents' recent struggles, we're backing the Catalans to secure a fist leg advantage.