Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Time: 22:00
Tuesday night’s most anticipated Champions League opener fixture sees Borussia Dortmund host heavyweights Barcelona at the Signal Iduna Park.
The two teams have been drawn in Gropu F against Inter Milan and Slavia Prague in what has been billed as this season’s group of death.
Dortmund head into the fixture on a high after an impressive 4-0 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen to occupy second position on the Bundesliga table.
Barcelona also showed their prowess after seeing off Valencia 5-2 with goals from new signings Frankie De Jong and 16 year-old Anssumane Fati.
The Catalan giants have been handed a huge boost after talisman Lionel Messi returned to full training. Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is however coy on returning Messi to the starting lineup giving no guarantee he will feature against Dortmund.
Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer will be looking to prove a point against his former club after accusing Barca of mistreatment during his two-year spell there. He is a man on form already scoring 7 goals this term.
In-demand winger Jadon Sancho is expected to start in a front three with Alcacer and Marco Reus with Thorgan Hazard and Julian Weigl also hoping to add firepower to the Dortmund attack.
Valverde is spoilt for choice in midfield with Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Sergio Busquests all yearning for a spot in the middle of the park.
Head to head:
This will be the second European meeting with Barcelona winning one and drawing the other.
Tip:
Draw
Odds:
3.72
Stake:
Medium