Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
With the first leg of this season’s Europa League quarter-finals officially in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the crucial second chapter for all eight clubs. A win here, or at the very least progression, means they’ll be just two games away from reaching the final in Seville. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what has the potential to be a fascinating encounter between Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barcelona
Barcelona aren’t in with a shout of winning La Liga as a result of Real Madrid’s strong first half of the campaign but instead of focusing on that, they need to be looking at the Europa League as a great way to earn themselves some silverware. They’ve definitely got the squad necessary to put a world class performance in here and with them being at home, this is their game to lose.
Team News
Alves is ineligible, Pique is a fitness concern and the following players have been ruled out through injury: Umtiti, Depay, Wague, Fati, Roberto and Dest.
Eintracht Frankfurt
They’re ninth in Bundesliga without a cup run to think about – so we’d say Eintracht Frankfurt are going to put everything they’ve got into this tie against Barcelona. The first leg was described as the game of the century for the club and they certainly played like it, leaving us to wonder just how much they’re going to give in what will be a far more intimidating atmosphere.
Team News
Tuta will miss out through suspension after being sent off in the first leg. Sow and Lenz are fitness doubts whereas Ache and Ramaj are both injured.
Factors to Consider
- Frankfurt and Barcelona drew the first leg 1-1 last week in Germany.
- Barcelona have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
- Frankfurt have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
- Barcelona have scored 15 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
- Frankfurt have scored five goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
Frankfurt did incredibly well to fend off Barcelona last week and hold them to a draw but this time around, we’re not so sure they’ll be able to replicate that success. Barca have looked really good at the Nou Camp recently with Xavi seemingly rediscovering the flair within his squad that made them such a force to be reckoned with in the first place. In our view, Barca will run away with this – potentially via a 3-0 scoreline.
Prediction: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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