Borussia Monchengladbach vs Barcelona

September 27, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is in for an emotional homecoming welcome on Wednesday when he will be travelling to Germany to face his old side in the UEFA Champions League group stage Round 2.

Injury-laden hosts

Borussia Monchengladbach have enjoyed quite a successful start to the new season in Bundesliga, winning three and losing only one of five opening round in the domestic competition. Things have not been that positive in the Champions League however as Andre Schubert’s men have been dealt an opening blow, having suffered a compelling 4-0 at Manchester City. Die Fohlen have been pitted against some of the best teams in Europe and their job will not be any easier this time either as they will be up against the in-form Spanish champions Barcelona. Adding insult to injury for the Bundesliga side are numerous injuries and selection doubts Andre Schubert will have to deal with. With up to seven first-team players doubtful for the upcoming clash, Borussia Dortmund will have a mountain to climb as they face Barcelona at the Borussia Park on Wednesday.

Josip Drmic and Alvaro Dominguez are both confirmed absentees for the hosts due to a knee problem and back issue respectively, while Monchengladbach’s key player Raffael is out with a groin injury. Mamadou Doucoure, Marvin Schulz, Tobias Strobl and Joel Mero are all struggling with knocks and there is little chance they could be involved in the game.

No Messi – No problem

Barcelona’s key performer Leo Messi picked up an injury against Atletico Madrid, only minutes before his team conceded an equaliser and an injury to the Argentinean wizard caused plenty of concern in the Catalan camp. Not few people wondered if Messi’s absence could prove to be crucial, but Luis Enrique’s men proved they are much more than one-man show with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Gijon last time out.  Packed with plenty of talent and quality to compensate for the absence of arguably the best player in the world, Catalans will travel to Germany without worries. Barcelona will be looking to build up on their overwhelming 7-0 victory over Celtic in the opening round knowing that a win over Monchengladbach would put them one step closer to sealing their place in the knockout stage of Europe’s elite competition. The Catalans have been fairly impressive on travels this season and will be looking to make it five on the trot at the Borussia Park.

In addition to Leo Messi who is out through his groin injury, defender Samuel Umtiti will miss the Monchengladbach clash due to a knee problem. Out of favour Aleix Vidal has been included in the team for the Champions League clash and could hope to get involved to some extent.

Verdict

First-ever meeting between two sides in Monchengladbach’s historic European season will bring plenty of excitement for the home supporters. With one of the best teams in the world coming to town, Monchengladbach are sure to give their best to put in a fight against Luis Enrique’s form. Barcelona, however, are aware of this game’s importance and will be keen for a swift resolution.

Top pick: Barcelona   1.44 (4/9) @Bet365

Alternative pick 1: Barcelona/Barcelona   2.15 (23/20) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Luis Suarez to score anytime   1.72 (8/11) @BetFair

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