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A season-defining game for both the teams, three points is more than needed for either of them if they plan to march forward in the Champions League. Both the sides come into this game in great spirit, as Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona came from behind to get themselves a few points in their respective league games on the weekend.
Though it was a 0-0 draw the last time Barca and Dortmund played each other, this is a game either of the teams would look to win as it will likely give them the upper hand going into the last game of the group stage.
Barcelona have been the team with more wins in their last six games in all competitions, as compared to Dortmund, but they have been at their very worst in recent weeks. However, individual quality has bailed out Ernesto Valverde's men plenty of times.
Barca have won five of their last six games, but their start to the league season was awful. Dortmund, on the other hand, have struggled immensely to keep themselves on par with Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich, and are also a tad lucky to see themselves ahead of Inter Milan in Group F.
Barcelona vs Dortmund Head-to-Head
Lucien Favre's men were unlucky in the reverse fixture at Signal Iduna Park as a brilliant Marc-Andre ter Stegen save from Marco Reus' penalty earned Barcelona a point, despite the fact that Dortmund dominated a majority of the game and had more clear cut chances than the Catalans.
As things stand, Barcelona lead Group F with eight points from four games, followed by Dortmund and Inter Milan, at seven and four points respectively. Neither of the teams can afford to drop points, as Inter will probably get the win against Slavia Praha, considering their current form, which would take them right back into the mix.
Barcelona form guide (Champions League games): D-W-W-D
Dortmund form guide (Champions League games): D-W-L-W
Barcelona vs Dortmund Team News
Jadon Sancho's return to the team would be key for Dortmund, as the 19-year-old was prey to a bit of controversy after their defeat to Bayern Munich game before the international break. However, he returned to the team this weekend and scored Dortmund's first goal to bring back his team on track to secure a 3-3 draw versus Paderborn.
As for Barcelona, Gerard Pique will miss the game due to suspension, whereas Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo are sidelined due to injuries. Sergi Roberto and Clement Lenglet are expected to return for the game.
The fact that Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele all started against Leganes, which means that Valverde could go with a conservative approach, benching one out of the four of them for an extra midfielder in midfield.
As for Dortmund, they aren't at their best right now in terms of form, and luckily Favre's men do not have any major injuries.
Except Delaney, the whole team should be fit for the trip to Barcelona, with Paco Alcacer likely facing a late fitness test as he came off with a knock against Paderborn.
Injuries: Jordi Alba (Barca), Semedo (Barca), Delaney (Dortmund).
Barcelona vs Dortmund Predicted XI
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Roberto, Umtiti, Lenglet, Firpo; Arthur, Vidal, De Jong; Messi, Suarez, Griezmann.
Dortmund: Burki, Piszczek, Akanji, Hummels, Hakimi; Witsel, Weigl; Sancho, Reus, Hazard; Alcacer.
Barcelona vs Dortmund Match Prediction
Based on current form, Barcelona should be winning this game comfortably at home, but their recent UCL results have been far from convincing.
On the other hand, Dortmund scraped past a relegation-side Paderborn after conceding 3 against them in the first half at home.
Though Barca would be playing in front of their fans, Dortmund do have the firepower to upset the Catalan giants.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Dortmund
Also check out:Champions League Schedule Champions League table Champions league top scorers
